EST Cola of Thailand handed unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers its first defeat in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, rallying for a 17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 27-25 victory Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The young Thai squad improved to 3-1 and moved into a tie with Creamline for the tournament lead, putting itself one win away from securing a spot in the championship match.
Creamline dropped to 3-1 after winning its first three games and will now need to beat defending champion PLDT in its final elimination-round assignment Sunday to strengthen its Finals bid.
EST Cola overcame a slow start and gradually took control behind its aggressive attack and disciplined defense, winning the next three sets against a Creamline side that had been unbeaten entering the match.
Papatchaya Phontham spearheaded the Thai attack with 27 points and 12 excellent digs, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Nannaphat Moonjakham added 16 points, while Nirarach Srikuta finished with 12.
Creamline appeared ready to force a fifth set after recovering from an eight-point deficit in the fourth frame. A service ace from Jaja Minowa tied the score at 23-all, but she then committed a service error that gave EST Cola an opening.
Bea de Leon kept the Cool Smashers alive by blocking Phontham’s attempted winner, while a Thai error later handed Creamline set point.
EST Cola setter Natnicha Saelao refused to let the opportunity slip away, executing a well-timed 1-2 play off an overpass to level the set again.
The Thais then regained the advantage through a difficult tip by Moonjakham before Nattharika Wasan came up with a crucial defensive play against Tots Carlos.
Creamline challenged the call in a final attempt to extend the match, but the review upheld the original ruling and confirmed EST Cola’s victory.
The Thais now face Ho Chi Minh City in their final elimination-round game Sunday, while Creamline meets PLDT in another potentially decisive matchup.
The results of those games will determine which two teams advance to the championship match. (Adrian Co)
