Creamline Cool Smashers complete historic PVL Grand Slam

The Creamline Cool Smashers secured their 10th PVL championship by defeating the Cignal HD Spikers in a thrilling five-set match, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13, to also complete a first-ever PVL Grand Slam.

This victory in the Invitational Conference follows their earlier wins in the All-Filipino Conference and the Reinforced championship, making them the first club to sweep all three conferences.

Despite the absence of key players Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, the team's local crew, led by Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Bernadeth Pons, clinched the victory.

Young import Erica Staunton led the team with 29 points, while Bernadeth Pons contributed 27 points.

Kyle Negrito's 25 excellent sets highlighted the team's strong camaraderie and mutual respect.

Pangs Panaga and Jema Galanza each added 11 points, with Panaga making three blocks and two aces.

Head coach Sherwin Meneses noted the team's happiness and the difficulty of achieving a Grand Slam, attributing their success to championship poise and experience accumulated from 13 championship appearances.

Strategic timeouts, such as one that refocused the team when Cignal threatened a comeback from a 11-14 deficit, played a pivotal role in maintaining flawless execution.