The Creamline Cool Smashers showcased resilience on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, rallying from a 1-2 set disadvantage to triumph 17-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8 over the Cignal HD Spikers during the PVL Invitational Conference.

Michele Gumabao led the defending champions with a team-high 22 points, fueled by 18 kills and four blocks, in addition to delivering 15 exceptional digs. Jessica Galanza contributed significantly with 18 points and 17 receptions, while team captain Alyssa Valdez recorded a triple-double of 11 points, 12 digs, and 14 receptions.

"Perhaps the turning point was overcoming the sweep we suffered during the first round of eliminations. This time, our experience really gave us an edge," remarked Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.

After dropping the close third set, Creamline bounced back decisively with a 25-11 fourth set win, forcing a nail-biting fifth set. The Cool Smashers seized an early 7-3 lead in the decider, maintaining control despite Cignal narrowing the gap to 8-6. A pivotal 4-0 run featuring powerful attacks from Gumabao and Valdez, along with errors from Cignal’s Gel Cayuna, paved the way for Creamline's victory. Although Valdez committed some late mistakes, Galanza secured the match with consecutive kills following a grueling 2 hours and 21 minutes of play.

Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated Creamline’s offense effectively with 32 excellent sets and added four points, while Jeanette Panaga and Sheena Toring contributed a combined 15 points.

On the opposing side, Heather Guino-o led Cignal with 21 points, 12 digs, and seven receptions but was held scoreless in the final set. Newly minted PVL On Tour MVP Erika Santos added 11 points, yet the HD Spikers slipped to 0-2 in the Invitational standings.

In other action, the PLDT High Speed Hitters began their campaign with a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-18 sweep over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, even without key players Savannah Davison, Kim Dy, and Kim Fajardo. Rookie Alleiah Malaluan impressed in her professional debut, recording 11 points, 13 excellent digs, and nine receptions, narrowly missing a triple-double in the hour and 25-minute match.