SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — Capital1 went up to this city looking to climb the standings. Instead, Creamline sent the Solar Spikers back home with a reminder the road to the top still runs through the PVL's long-established powers.
READ: Creamline champion core stamps class on Capital1 'Big 3'
The Cool Smashers tamed the cerberus of Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos, sweeping Capital1 in their much-anticipated 2026 All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series clash.
While the 11-time champions spoiled the Solar Spikers’ bid for a statement win, head coach Sherwin Meneses was quick to point out Belen and Co.’s best days still lie ahead.
“Yung lineup ng Capital1, talagang sa tingin ko mag-i-improve at mag-i-improve pa. Especially yung mga tao nila, talagang gumaganda na,” he said.
In this city, however, Capital1's firepower ran into a wall of Creamline preparation and defense.
Belen, who opened the Siklab Series with four straight triple-doubles, was held to 13 points for her first outing without one. Gandler finished with 10, while Santos managed just five, as the Cool Smashers kept the young guns from finding their rhythm.
“Maganda yung mix ng players nila ngayon. Nandiyan lagi si Bella, talagang babantayan mo. Pero sabi ko nga, hindi lang naman si Bella ang player dito, lahat dapat bantayan natin kaya lahat talaga pinaghandaan namin,” Meneses added.
Like champions do
Indeed, Creamline had the answers when the match threatened to slip away.
Jema Galanza showed the way with 16 points, while Bernadeth Pons provided an 11-point spark off the bench, including two timely attacks during the Solar Spikers’ furious second-set rally from a 9-19 hole.
Capital1 clawed their way back to seize a late lead, but the league's winningest team survived the extended frame before shutting the door in the third to complete the sweep.
By the end of the northern trip, the Cool Smashers had stretched their unbeaten run to 4-0 to seize solo first.
The Solar Spikers, meanwhile, absorbed back-to-back losses to slip to 2-3, heading back south with more ground to make up.
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