Creamline showcased its versatility and dominance to dismantle Chery Tiggo in straight sets, securing a commanding 25-10, 27-25, 25-21 victory before an electrified Tuesday crowd at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, moving the Cool Smashers closer to the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

From an explosive opening set to a dramatic comeback in the second and a grind-out finish in the third, Creamline once again proved its resilience and championship pedigree.

Alyssa Valdez spearheaded the attack with a vintage performance, finishing with 16 points, 13 excellent digs, and nine receptions on her way to being named the Best Player of the Game. Reflecting on the team's ability to battle back, particularly in the crucial second set, she emphasized the squad’s chemistry and trust in one another.

"Through our experiences in tight matches, we’ve been tested many times, and we’ve learned how to respond," said Valdez. "But I’d say our chemistry, both on and off the court, makes all the difference. Our trust in each other, especially in crunch time, is something special. Thank you, Lord, we got that second set."

The Cool Smashers stunned not just the Crossovers but even their loyal fans when they clawed back from an 18-22 deficit in the second frame, forcing an extended set and ultimately pulling off the win.

With Game One in the books, Creamline now shifts focus to Game 2, set for Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Cool Smashers aim to complete a best-of-three quarterfinals sweep. However, Valdez remains cautious and focused on the bigger goal.

Meanwhile, in a stunning turn of events, ZUS Coffee defied expectations and thundered past a heavily favored Petro Gazz squad, essaying a shocking 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 victory in the other quarters pairing.

The win catapulted the Thunderbelles to the brink of a historic semifinal appearance, rewriting the script against a team steeped in championship experience.

Displaying maturity beyond their years – an ironic contrast to their more experienced rivals – the Thunderbelles held their nerve and outlasted the Angels in a pulsating, tension-filled extended third set to secure the dramatic one-hour, 35-minute victory. The stunning win gave them a crucial 1-0 advantage in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.

Rising star Chinnie Arroyo fearlessly matched up against the formidable Brooke Van Sickle in a gripping power showdown at the tail end of the third frame, delivering two clutch kills against Van Sickle’s three. The Petro Gazz ace tied the score at 24 with a ferocious attack, and the Angels briefly took the lead after a rare Chai Troncoso miscue.

But just when it mattered most, the ever-reliable Jovelyn Gonzaga took charge. The veteran leader first forced an extension with a crucial block touch against Myla Pablo, who in the ensuing play, misfired on a crosscourt attack, handing ZUS Coffee the edge.

Seizing the moment, Gonzaga sealed the deal with a well-timed solo block off Pablo, sending the Thunderbelles into a frenzied celebration as if they had just won the championship.