MANILA, Philippines — Creamline asserted its mastery of Cignal with a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8 win to open the PVL Invitational on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Four days sweeping the bronze medal game of the PVL on Tour for its 18th consecutive podium finish, the Cool Smashers rode the hot hands of Michele Gumabao, who anchored their comeback from a 1-2 match deficit and poured in 22 points on top of 15 digs.

Gumabao, the reigning Invitational MVP, scored five in the fifth set to mount a 12-6 spread for Creamline before Sheena Toring and Jema Galanza sent them to match point, 14-7.

Galanza, who finished with 18 points and 17 excellent receptions, drilled the match-winner for a 1-1 record in the Invitational.

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I think our biggest advantage was the team’s experience. That really helped us in this Invitational, especially since it was a total team effort, even in five-set matches,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

“I think the number one thing is really the team’s determination, especially when we’re up against Cignal. Every point is super competitive, especially with Creamline. I guess what happens is the breaks of the game just go our way. Every time we play Cignal, it’s always a great match. I think the players also really look forward to playing them because they go all out and give their 110 percent.”

The semifinal pairings from the PVL on Tour–Creamline vs. PLDT and Chery Tiggo vs. Cignal–were carried over to the Invitational, leaving Cignal at 0-2.

“We just focused on taking it one point at a time. That’s really all we think about–giving 110%. Wherever that takes the team, that’s where we’ll go,” said Meneses.

Alyssa Valdez delivered 11 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 12 digs, while setter Kyle Negrito had 32 excellent sets on top of four points.

Creamline nearly erased a 20-14 hole in the third set after clutch hits from Gumabao and Valdez trimmed it to 23-22, but Heather Guino-o answered with two straight kills to hand Cignal a 2-1 lead.

The Cool Smashers roared back in the fourth, with Negrito even sneaking in a rare spike, to dominate 25-11 and force a decider.

Creamline eyes its second win on Saturday against Chery Tiggo, while Cignal takes on PLDT.

Guino-o had 21 points, 12 digs, and seven receptions but it went for naught. On Tour MVP Erika Santos was limited to 11 points on a 10-of-40 attacking clip.