Creamline has long been one of the most popular teams in the Premier Volleyball League, thanks to its star-studded roster that has brought them to the top multiple times.
However, the Cool Smashers have once again proven that they are much more than just their stars. Their success is built on a well-oiled system and continuity within the squad.
In the 2024 Reinforced Conference, Creamline played without key players Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez.
They were also missing eight-time PVL Best Setter Jia De Guzman, who is currently competing in Japan’s V.League with the Denso Airybees.
Yet, despite these absences, “CreamNine” happened.
The Cool Smashers claimed their ninth PVL championship by halting the undefeated Akari Chargers (10-0) in the gold medal match, winning in straight sets, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17, on Wednesday night at a packed Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“Siyempre matamis na matamis,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses, expressing his joy after clinching the title.
“Kahit na wala yung four players namin, tiwala ako sa team kasi talagang nag-eensayo sila. Kahit nandyan yung mga star players namin, hindi sila nagpapabaya sa ensayo.”
Michele Gumabao, who stepped up as the team’s on-court leader in the absence of other stars, made sure to recognize the unsung heroes who contributed to Creamline’s success: the seldom-used players.
While they may not have seen much playing time, their rigorous training helped ensure that those in the regular rotation were fully prepared to face any team.
“Kahit nung umpisa pa lang, kita naman… We started this season with a loss, but nandoon talaga yung kapit, and nandoon yung tiwala ni coach sa amin,” shared Gumabao.
“Yun yung hinding-hindi nawala, kahit nagsa-struggle kami. Kahit hindi namin mapakita yung best namin in that game, nandoon talaga yung tiwala ng coaches at yung training, nandoon talaga yung effort ng bawat isa—hindi lang yung nakikita niyo sa loob ng court.”
Creamline’s roster consists of 18 players, excluding the four stars. Since only 14 players can be fielded in a game, four healthy players are always placed on the reserve list.
Throughout the conference, players like Bea Bonafe, Mafe Galanza, Rizza Mandapat, Dij Rodriguez, Pau Soriano, and Aleiah Torres had their turns as reserves.
“Everybody – whether starters, bench, or reserves – gives their best in practice. This victory isn’t just for the players who were on the court, but also for those who didn’t get to play,” Gumabao emphasized.
“Hindi kami makokondisyon kung hindi rin sila nagbibigay ng 100%. Sabi nga ni coach, grabe yung mindset this season na kailangan isa lang yung goal namin – to give our best.”
The Cool Smashers’ triumph was a testament to their depth, discipline, and the collective effort of every player.
And they proved that even in the absence of their stars, the system they’ve built remains strong.
