EST Cola ends Creamline’s unbeaten run for share of top seed

Thailand’s EST Cola during a game vs Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Thailand’s EST Cola handed Creamline its first defeat, 17-25, 25-21, 25-22, to force a tie at 3-1 atop the PVL Invitational Conference standings on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

EST Cola turned to Patpachaya Phontham anew as she erupted for 27 points off 24 kills, two blocks, and an ace as they cruised to their third straight win.

READ: No doubt that Creamline is team to beat as PVL Invitational Conference fires off

The Thais have a chance to book a finals ticket against Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday at 4 p.m.

With EST Cola moving closer to victory with a 23-19 lead in the fourth set, Creamline tried to pull off a comeback with four straight points capped by Jaja Santiago-Minowa’s ace to tie the frame before missing her next serve.

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago Minowa during a game vs Thailand’s EST Cola in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

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Bea De Leon saved a match point, followed by a four-touch violation by the Thais to take the set point, 25-24. Setter Natnicha Saelao nailed an equalizing drop, followed by a clutch kill from Phontham to regain match point. Saelao delivered a game-winning block on Tots Carlos.

Nannaphat Moonjakham led the charge with 16 points and 15 excellent receptions. Nirarach Srikuta had 12 points and 15 receptions. Setter Serah Ankomah, who also translates for the team in interviews, was a revelation from the bench with 13 excellent sets.

WATCH: EST Cola’s Serah Ankomah and Papatchaya Phontham after upsetting Creamline. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/lYMZ0eZ7dp

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) September 4, 2026

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Creamline tries to book a championship berth against PLDT on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Minowa had 19 points to lead the Cool Smashers. Jema Galanza delivered 15 points, 16 excellent receptions, and 15 digs. Alyssa Valdez had 11 points and 11 receptions.