The ongoing 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference marks a groundbreaking chapter in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), spanning a record six months from November to April.
This fresh format introduces a qualifying round and a play-in tournament before the playoffs, prompting teams to adapt their approaches to recovery, conditioning, and overall preparation.
For the league’s first-ever Grand Slam champion, Creamline, one key adjustment has been emphasizing “work-life balance.”
After wrapping up their December games on the 14th, the Cool Smashers embarked on a unique journey – traveling to South Korea and then to Canada to celebrate Christmas while also engaging in exhibition matches and conducting a skills camp.
(C) PVL Images
“I think in this professional setup, we really need to have that balance – work-life balance – and it was given to us. We’re very happy and grateful kasi yung management namin laging nandiyan to support whatever we want to do outside of volleyball also, so magandang balance talaga,” said star spiker Alyssa Valdez following Creamline’s straight-sets win over Capital1 on Tuesday.
“I think the more reason to perform better kapag nagbabakasyon ka, syempre narerecharge ka, nagkakaroon ka ng new energy, renewed yung inspiration mo to actually play well and perform better in the upcoming games. So hopefully, mas nakatulong sa amin yung work-life balance na yun,” she added.
The Cool Smashers’ dominant 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 victory extended their undefeated run to five games, keeping them as the lone unbeaten squad in the 12-team field.
Creamline aims to maintain its perfect streak while adhering to the meticulous strategies crafted by its coaches.
“Honestly, in my personal opinion, I would say it’s really the mind of our coaches – the strategy, the technical side na ginagawa nila,” shared the team’s captain when asked about their impressive 5-0 start.
“Hindi man namin totally nakikita or naiintindihan yun, but I think it’s the trust we have sa coaches namin, sa kahit anong sitwasyon na ginagawa nila. Nilalagay nila sa court, yun yung paniniwalaan namin – that’s why it’s been working,” she continued.
“In these crucial times, especially during a long tournament, we just have to believe in the system and our coaches, and syempre, hard work ng mga teammates.”
