Creamline star spiker Jema Galanza. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – In a battle of sister teams and a classic All-Filipino rivalry, it was Creamline that again emerged as the victor against Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20, on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Creamline star spiker Jema Galanza shone brightest in the match, scoring 24 points on 22 attacks, one block and an ace to go with 17 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, joined by fellow hitter Michele Gumabao, who was also at 20-point territory with 22 on 19 attacks and three blocks.

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Coach Sherwin Meneses knew all along that Choco Mucho will bounce back eventually—that's why he reminded his team to just "enjoy the game" and perform well.

"Siyempre yung Choco [Mucho] talaga, 'di talaga magpapatalo talaga basta-basta. Alam namin babalik sila sa game, so sabi ko lang naman sa mga players is mag-enjoy lang tayo, mag-perform nang maayos para makuha natin 'yung panalo. 'Wag tayo ma-pressure," Meneses said during the postgame press conference.

"'Yun lang naman, nag-respond naman' yung mga [players], kasi maraming [game] rallies so talagang hindi lang balibol lang 'yung labanan, talaga endurance din eh. So, buti nakuha namin 'yung panalo," Meneses added.

The Cool Smashers had to overcome a third set blip, failing to capitalize on a comeback from a 21-13 hole after extending the frame—which Sisi Rondina and company eventually won.

Meneses' wards regained their form in the next, putting up a 9-4 rally from the 16-all count—with late points courtesy of Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons, including unfortunate errors from Des Cheng and the match point from Royse Tubino's fault—to put the Flying Titans to sleep.

"Siguro nagpapasalamat lang ako sa sarili ko na kumapit 'yung sarili ko ngayong game," said Galanza.

"Sabi ko nga kanina, nagsisimula pa lang 'yung season, so hindi pa ito 'yung time para ma-feel ko 'yung perfect 'yung game ko o flawless 'yung game ko. Marami pang mangyayari. For sure, mag-a-adjust yung mga kalaban," the former league MVP went on.

Creamline (3-0) battles Zus Coffee next on December 12, while Choco Mucho (2-3), which absorbed two straight losses, looks to bounce back against Farm Fresh at the same game date.

The Rebisco squads seek to end the year 2024 on a sweet note.

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