PVL Finals: Hunger a factor in Creamline-Cignal duel

PVL SCHEDULE: 2026 All-Filipino Finals – Creamline vs Cignal

Alyssa Valdez: Emotional leader. —PVL IMAGES

Hunger, in different forms, will define the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals as Cignal and Creamline clash for the title beginning April 21.

For Cignal, it is the pursuit of history—a first All-Filipino crown that has long eluded the franchise. For Creamline, it is the urgency of reclaiming a throne it once ruled, fueled by a rare championship drought.

“It’s been a while—almost a year,” Creamline star Alyssa Valdez said. “We missed three conferences. No words can fully explain what we’re feeling right now. We’re just so happy to be back in the Finals.”

At 32, Valdez remains the emotional anchor of the Cool Smashers, bringing veteran poise to a team that has endured a demanding path back to contention.

The best-of-three series opens on Tuesday, giving both teams time to regroup and fine-tune strategies. But preparation aside, motivation runs deep on both benches.

Cignal enters the series riding momentum, having beaten Creamline in their last two meetings. The HD Spikers have made no secret of their desire to finally break through.

Creamline, however, draws strength from experience—and from the adversity it overcame to return.

The Cool Smashers survived multiple five-set battles and do-or-die scenarios, including a loss to Cignal in the qualifying round, before grinding their way into the championship.

Continuity

“That experience—not every team gets that,” Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said. “We embraced the pressure. But the goal is to become champions. That’s what we’re working for.”

Meneses pointed to continuity as a key advantage. Creamline’s core has largely stayed intact, allowing chemistry to flourish despite setbacks.

“Our core is still together, and that’s a blessing,” he said. “The chemistry is there, and right now, we’re complete and healthy.”

Still, he acknowledged the challenge posed by a cohesive Cignal side led by steady playmakers like Gel Cayuna.

“Cignal deserves to be here,” Meneses said. “Their teamwork is excellent, and their leaders deliver.”

Despite Creamline’s championship pedigree, Meneses dismissed any notion of a clear edge.

“This is the Finals,” he said. “The teams are evenly matched.”

Meneses believes the difference will come down to execution.

“It’s not about who’s bigger or stronger,” he said. “It’s about skills.”

As the first serve approaches, both teams bring contrasting motivations but equal resolve. Whether it is Cignal’s bid for a breakthrough or Creamline’s drive to reclaim dominance, the Finals will ultimately hinge on which side delivers under pressure—and which hunger proves stronger.