The Creamline Cool Smashers leaned on Jema Galanza's clutch fifth-set scoring to outlast the Nxled Chameleons in a tough five-set battle in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Jema Galanza once again came through in crunch time for Creamline.
Galanza and the Cool Smashers survived a tough challenge from the Nxled Chameleons, escaping with a gritty 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 victory in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, March 7, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Galanza took home Player of the Game honors with 19 points on 18 attacks and one service ace, to go along with 10 excellent receptions.
The Cool Smashers were pushed to the limit by a Nxled squad anchored by Petro Gazz's former championship core, something Galanza said they had already anticipated coming into the match.
"Ine-expect na po namin talaga 'yun, since last year pa, buong conference ata, nakalaban namin, Petro [Gazz] pa sila pero same players, talagang umaabot ng fifth set eh," Galanza said in the post-game press conference.
"So, hindi naman po kami nanibago don. Talagang si coach Sherwin [Meneses] naman laging sinasabi yung composure ang importante sa game para mapanalo."
Galanza proved that point in the deciding frame, scoring four of Creamline’s final five points to fend off Nxled’s late comeback attempt.
Tots Carlos also delivered 18 points, while Bernadeth Pons chipped in 16 markers. Pangs Panaga added 13 points in a balanced attack for the Cool Smashers.
"Sinumulan lang namin ng magandang serve. And then, tiniyaga rin talaga namin. Hindi kami nag-e-expect ng mahina, or bibigay lang sa amin agad ng kabila 'yung points," Galanza said.
"Kami talaga, gusto namin 'yung point na 'to, kami 'yung gagawa ng paraan. Kaya, nag-work siya kasi hindi lang isa, lahat talaga nagbigay ng points."
[ALSO READ: Returning Jema Galanza expects Creamline to find rhythm after PVL All-Filipino opener]
For Galanza, facing a team like the retooled Nxled also brought a mix of excitement and challenge.
"Ako, ang daming feelings. Excited na may kaba, na nacha-challenge. Kasi maganda silang kalaban," she said.
"Sobrang ganda nila kalaban—'yung kailangan mo mag-isip, hindi ka lang basta papalo, hindi lang basta ipapasok. Alam mo 'yon, kailangan mo mag-isip. Nacha-challenge din 'yung composure namin. And ngayon, yun talaga yung nagpanalo samin."
Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo carried the fight for the Chameleons with 28 and 22 points, respectively.
With the win, Creamline improved to 5-1 and will look to stretch its win streak to six when it faces the Akari Chargers on Thursday, March 12, at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Nxled, now at 3-4, hopes to snap a four-game losing skid when it takes on the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on the same day.
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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.