Creamline import Courtney Schwan with the Cool Smashers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Creamline secured its first win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference by overcoming rival Petro Gazz in four sets, 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20, on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Cool Smashers bucked a Set 3 loss en route to avoiding a 0-2 hole, leaning on import Courtney Schwan who paced the defending champions with 27 points on 24 attacks and three blocks, including crucial hits in the final frame to go with 16 excellent receptions.
Her efforts didn't go unnoticed, at least for Creamline leader Alyssa Valdez.
"In terms of playing, Coco is a very mature, well-experienced [player]. And, we can actually see how composed she was during that crucial point, especially in the fourth set," Valdez expressed.
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"And, it's just so nice to have a teammate who's like that, who can carry your whole team and actually bring the best out in all of us."
The moment she was referring to was in the final frame, where Schwan carried Creamline's offense in the face of Petro Gazz fightback.
The American reinforcement scored four of Creamline's last six points, weathering the comeback of Brooke Van Sickle and company on their way to a 25-20 Set 4 win.
"She's very straightforward, very direct. And, that's why we can really actually appreciate that. And, we're all veterans here. That's why I think open communication really works for us. And, most especially that crucial part, she was just owning it," added Valdez, referring to Schwan, whom they also call "Coco."
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"And, she's actually, she's not a reinforcement. She's part of our team. She's a Creamline Cool Smasher."
Before that, trailing 12-15 midway in Set 4, the Cool Smashers unleashed a 6-0 run, also powered by Schwan's offensive prowess.
Three-time PVL MVPs Valdez and Tots Carlos were also there for local support, contributing 14 points each.
Meanwhile, top plum recipient Van Sickle, who led the Angels' Set 3 win, finished with 26 points on 23 attacks, two aces, and one block, while Schwan's counterpart Lindsey Vander Weide delivered a triple-double of 17 markers, 11 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.