The Creamline Cool Smashers face a tough test in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League quarterfinals, as they take on six-time Thai League champions Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Creamline Cool Smashers are set for a blockbuster showdown as they take on Thailand’s six-time league champion Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC in the final quarterfinal matchup of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, April 24.
Looking to bounce back from their runner-up finish in the PVL All-Filipino Conference and a tough loss to Zhetysu VC in pool play, the Cool Smashers are out to prove they can still stand tall against Asia’s best.
And leading the charge is none other than American spiker Erica Staunton, who has been a consistent scoring threat and steadying presence throughout the tournament.
Staunton will team up with fellow imports Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasiya Kudryashova to form a towering frontline against a battle-tested Nakhon squad that edged PLDT in five sets earlier in the tournament.
[ALSO READ: Creamline’s Kudryashova draws on familiarity against Zhetysu, looks ahead to potential QF push]
Complementing Creamline’s import trio are Filipina standouts Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Pangs Panaga, and Alyssa Valdez—all of whom are hungry to bring hometown fans something to cheer about.
For Valdez, the matchup also marks a reunion with a familiar face in Nakhon’s assistant coach and team manager Jang Bualee, her former mentor during her Ateneo days under Roger Gorayeb.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez relishes chance to represent PH again: 'Very overwhelmed, excited, happy']
But there will be no room for sentiment on the court as Creamline looks to lock in and advance.
Nakhon will counter with a formidable lineup of its own, featuring Anyse Smith, Evangelia Chantava, and Thai volleyball legend Onuma Sittirak.
With a semifinals berth on the line, Creamline hopes to rise to the occasion in front of its home crowd and continue its quest for a podium finish on the international stage.
[ALSO READ: Creamline, PLDT, Petro Gazz brace for tough quarterfinal matchups in AVC Champions League]
Creamline’s match against Nakhon Ratchasima will begin at 7:00 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]