Creamline beats Cignal in five-set thriller

Creamline rallied from a two-set deficit to defeat Cignal 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, and 15-8 in a nerve-wracking five-set match during the opening day of the PVL Invitational Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday.

Michele Gumabao led Creamline with 22 points, including 18 attacks and four blocks, while Alyssa Valdez contributed 11 points, 12 digs, and 14 receptions in a comeback victory that followed their third-place finish against Cignal in the PVL On Tour.

Coach Sherwin Meneses attributed the team's advantage to experience, noting that familiarity between teams has made games more competitive.

Heather Guino-o led Cignal with a team-high 21 points off 18 attacks and three aces, while Erika Santos added 11 points for the HD Spikers.

Both Creamline and Cignal started the Invitational Conference with a loss each due to the PVL On Tour semifinals results, as teams mutually agreed to a one-day rest instead of an additional game day.