Creamline shows depth to beat Van Sickle-less Nxled

Creamline players celebrate during a win over Nxled in the PVL on Tour in Ilagan City, Isabela.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline flexed its depth to take down Brooke Van Sickle-less Nxled, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19, in the PVL on Tour on Wednesday night at Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

The Cool Smashers’ old reliables and newcomers delivered a winning start to their preseason, winning the first of the Cool Smashers’ three stops.

Michele Gumabao led the bench mob with 18 points off 16 kills, one block, and an ace. Lorie Bernardo stepped up as a starter with 13 points, while Jema Galanza had eight points and 13 digs.

READ: Creamline finds way to the top of PVL and what a climb it was

New outside spiker Ishie Lalongisip debuted as a Cool Smasher with nine points, while setter Donna Paralejas started for Creamline before Kyle Negrito took charge with 16 excellent sets, while Rose Marie Vargas also scored eight.

“Of course, I’m happy because our team played well. Even though some of our senior players didn’t get to play, it was a great opportunity for the younger players to experience a game like this,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

“We told them that now that they’re here, they just have to work hard and enjoy playing with Creamline. That’s what’s great about these young players—they’re confident and they’re willing to follow. Hopefully, they can continue performing well moving forward.”

Creamline played without Jia De Guzman and Jen Nierva, who are committed to Alas Pilipinas for the Asian Games, as well as Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Bea De Leon, who all sat out but joined the team’s trip, bringing home P100,000 after the win.

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Nxled won’t have Brooke Van Sickle the entire preseason due to a shoulder injury. MJ Phillips led the Chameleons with 13 points. EJ Laure-Cariño stepped up with 12 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Jonah Sabete-Escamilan and Myla Pablo added 11 each.

New Nxled setter Gel Cayuna’s debut was spoiled despite her 22 excellent sets and three points, as well as her fellow ex-Cignal standout Jackie Acuña, who had nine points in the loss with a consolation prize of P50,000.

Creamline returns to Isabela on August 8 against Capital1 in Santiago City, while Nxled takes on Galeries Tower on Aug. 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.