Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses believes there’s strength in numbers — especially in the middle blocker position — as the team added two young talents in the recent Premier Volleyball League Draft, further reinforcing an already formidable lineup.
The Cool Smashers used the 12th overall pick to select National University’s Sheena Toring, who previously played under Meneses during the last UAAP season. At No. 23, they also picked up Nica Celis from the University of the Philippines.
Celis and Toring will join a deep rotation that already features newly-crowned PVL Season Best Middle Blocker Bea De Leon, as well as veterans Jeanette Panaga, Lorie Bernardo, and Pau Soriano.
“Siyempre, napaka-importante nung middle sa’min ngayon sa PVL On Tour kasi yung ibang middle namin, medyo hindi pa nakaka-ensayo. Mas maganda na yung marami kaysa konti. I think deserve naman ng mga middle na mapunta dito sa Creamline,” said Meneses.
The seven-time PVL champion coach admitted that they were fortunate to see Toring still available when their pick came around. He also feels excited to continue building on the system they started together back in NU.
(C) PVL Images
“Oo nga, medyo lucky kami kasi umabot si Sheena sa sa’min so maipagpapatuloy namin yung nasimulan namin sa NU kasi bago nga lang ako du’n,” he said.
“Malaking bagay talaga si Sheena sa’min, especially yung leadership niya at experience niya sa paglalaro, medyo mataas na talaga,” he added.
As for Celis, Meneses sees her athleticism as a key asset, especially for a Creamline squad that values versatility across positions.
“Very athletic kasi si Celis. I think napaka-importante sa Creamline na athletic ka, na pwede ka sa iba-ibang positions. Hindi ka man magamit sa position na ‘yun, maybe sa ibang position pwede. Napaka-athletic talaga nu’n so bagay siya sa Creamline,” Meneses explained.
The newly-crowned Coach of the Year also expects both rookies to make an immediate impact — particularly with some of their veteran middle blockers, like De Leon, still in recovery.
“Medyo okay naman sila. Lahat nagte-therapy pero may mga restrictions yung ensayo nila. Mas maganda na mas maraming nag-eensayo sa team. I think mga nasa 60 to 70 percent na sila,” said Meneses.
With Creamline’s culture of excellence and a clear eye on the future, the addition of Toring and Celis is more than just a depth move — it’s a long-term investment in continued dominance.
