Creamline Cool Smashers moved closer to reclaiming the crown after overpowering Cignal Super Spikers, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, in Game 1 of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory gave Creamline a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three championship series as it eyes redemption after losing the title to Petro Gazz last year.

It was Creamline’s ninth consecutive All-Filipino Finals appearance and 15th overall finals stint, underscoring its sustained dominance in the league.

Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons led the charge for the Cool Smashers, delivering key points in the decisive straight-set win that kept Cignal under pressure from start to finish.

Cignal leaned on main scorer Gandler, who finished with 17 points and added 10 receptions, but the Super Spikers struggled to sustain momentum against Creamline’s balanced attack and defensive pressure.

Creamline will look to clinch its 11th PVL championship in Game 2 on Thursday at the same venue at 5:30 p.m.