After a year when Creamline fell short of its own lofty standards, the Cool Smashers head into the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference aiming to reassert themselves as the league's benchmark.
Creamline heads into the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference with standards that never really change.
For years, the Cool Smashers have been the league’s measuring stick. Even in seasons where the titles did not come as expected, Creamline remained in the thick of contention.
The question now is not whether they can contend, but whether this version of the Cool Smashers is built to climb back to the very top.
A subpar season for their standards
- All-Filipino Conference: 2nd place
- PVL On Tour: 3rd place
- Invitational: 3rd place
- Reinforced Conference: 6th place
Creamline’s 2025 PVL campaign showed both consistency and cracks.
Finishing runner-up in the All-Filipino Conference was already a tough pill to swallow for the 10-time PVL champs.
However, after having to fight tooth and nail to secure a podium finish in the On Tour Invitational tournaments, the Cool Smashers eventually came up short in the Reinforced Conference, ending their 19-consecutive podium streak.
Familiar faces return
Key additions: Jen Nierva, Jia De Guzman (return), Bernadeth Pons (return)
Key departures: Mafe Galanza, Michelle Morente, Pau Soriano, Rizza Mandapat
Admittedly, Creamline didn’t need to do much during the offseason.
Bringing back Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons were major moves already, while adding star libero Jen Nierva proved to be a solid move, especially with Kyla Atienza’s injury.
[ALSO READ: Jen Nierva opens up on ‘dream move’ to Creamline ahead of PVL All-Filipino]
Built on experience
At their core, the Cool Smashers remain a favorite to bring home the PVL crown—no matter what conference.
With De Guzman back to orchestrating the offense and Pons reintegrated into the rotation, Creamline leans once again on experience, decision-making, and late-set composure—qualities that have defined their championship runs.
The challenge now is returning to the mountaintop with a much tougher playing field.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Jia De Guzman stays patient ahead of return to Creamline in All-Filipino]
The bar has always been high
With a complete roster this time around, Creamline will once again be pitted as the team to beat in the PVL.
With familiar leaders back in place and roles recalibrated, the Cool Smashers enter the All-Filipino Conference with a clear goal of reclaiming the crown they believe still belongs to them.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez upbeat on Creamline’s growth amid eventful PVL offseason]
For now, the team will take it one game at a time as they begin their All-Filipino title hunt on February 5.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.