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.

Oisín Mullin and Mark O’Connor remain in contention for an AFL premiership after Geelong defeated Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Cats recovered from a difficult opening to win 14.23 (107) to 11.8 (74), securing a semi-final against Fremantle in Perth next weekend.

More than 96,000 spectators attended the elimination final, with Geelong ending Carlton’s campaign and extending their own season by at least another week.

Mullin handed another major defensive assignment

Mullin continued in the specialist defensive role that has become an important part of Geelong’s approach during the 2026 season.

The former Mayo footballer was initially assigned to Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh. His brief later shifted towards Jagga Smith after the youngster caused Geelong problems with his pace and direct running through the middle.

That tactical change formed part of Geelong’s response after Carlton made the stronger start. The Cats gradually gained control, improving their work around the contest and creating a steady supply of scoring opportunities.

O’Connor also featured as Geelong drew on the finals experience accumulated across a lengthy period near the top of the AFL. The Kerry native was part of the Cats side that won the 2022 premiership and is pursuing a second winners’ medal.

Dangerfield drives Geelong surge

Patrick Dangerfield provided the decisive attacking contribution, kicking five goals as Geelong pulled clear. Carlton had established a 21-point advantage during the early stages, but the Cats responded by winning the central battles and forcing the match onto their terms.

Geelong scored nine of the next 12 goals after Carlton’s fast start. Although the Cats accumulated 23 behinds and left several opportunities unused, their volume of scoring chances eventually produced a comfortable final margin.

The reward is a trip west to face Fremantle. The semi-final presents a different challenge, with travel and recovery becoming important after the physical demands of an elimination fixture.

For Irish followers, the progress of Mullin and O’Connor gives the AFL finals series a strong Gaelic football connection. Mullin is bidding for his first premiership, while O’Connor is attempting to add another title to his Australian career.

Geelong’s season remains alive, but there is no safety net from this point. Victory in Perth is required if the two Irish players are to move one step closer to the AFL Grand Final.

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While WWE veteran Charlotte Flair is considered to be one of the most talented names on the roster, she believes that a rising star gave her stiff competition.

Over the years, Flair has won 14 Women’s Championship belts on RAW and SmackDown combined, along with several other belts. This cemented her place as one of the biggest names in the Stamford-based promotion’s Women’s division. However, Kiana James apparently has given her a run for her money.

Speaking in a recent appearance on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, Flair noted that she had praised Kiana James personally. She said:

“I told her one time, I think it was after the qualifier for [Elimination] Chamber. She was stressed about something. I was like, ‘I am telling you, I’ve been doing this for a long time and you make me want to step up my game. You were doing everything you’re supposed to.’ When I am in that ring and I go, ‘Oh, da*n. She’s making me work hard for this.’ She’s going to be such a star.”

You can check out her comments below:

WWE star Charlotte Flair also spoke about conflict with her father

According to Charlotte Flair, she has frequent fights with her father Ric Flair.

The WWE star claimed that she was often at odds with Ric Flair over the latter’s social media. She said:

“The amount that we fight about his social media… I cannot tell you, it’s a daily thing. I’m like, ‘Why are you in all caps? Why are you yelling at me in your posts?’ Here is what I learned – I was talking to Nattie the other day, and she was talking about Bret, and I was talking about my dad, and she’s like, ‘You know what, he’s earned the right to have an opinion.’ I was like, ‘Okay, that’s one way to look at it.’ Just let him have his opinion.”

Charlotte Flair still has a lot of time left in her career, and it remains to be seen what else she accomplishes in WWE.

If you use any quotes from the first half of the article, please credit the source and give an H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription.