SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — Creamline is one crown away from the biggest recognition of all: the Grand Slam.
With the Cool Smashers reigning supreme in the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conferences of the Premier Volleyball League 2024 season, they find themselves one championship away from a title sweep.
This marks the PVL’s third season as a professional league with three conferences per year. In the previous two seasons, Creamline went two-for-three both times.
In 2022, the Cool Smashers’ bid for the Grand Slam was denied by the Petro Gazz Angels in the Reinforced Conference.
Then in 2023, Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze spoiled their attempt in the Invitationals.
Now, Creamline hopes that third time’s the charm.
That’s why, despite winning the Reinforced just two days ago, the nine-time champions returned to the Taraflex with full force on Friday.
And the Cool Smashers crushed Est Cola, 25-13, 25-12, 25-15, at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex here.
(C) PVL Images
“Sabi nga ni Ate MG kanina, kalimutan na namin ‘yung nangyari nung last kasi past conference na ‘yun, bagong conference ulit ngayon,” shared Bernadeth Pons.
“Mag-focus kami sa bagong conference ngayon kasi kung nag-champion man kami nung last, tapos na yun. So magtatrabaho ulit kami for this,” added the Reinforced Conference MVP.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, isn’t looking too far ahead. Instead, he wants his team to take it one game at a time in this high-stakes, week-long conference.
(C) PVL Images
That’s why after taking Thursday off, the six-time champion tactician’s first order of business is to hold a training session on Saturday, a day before their rematch with Kurashiki Ablaze.
A single loss would have a significant impact in this five-team tournament, which features local teams Cignal and Farm Fresh as well as guest teams Kurashiki and Est Cola.
“Number one reminder ko is maka-training kami ulit tomorrow, at one game at a time talaga kasi hindi madali yung dadaanan namin, just like nung Reinforced. So focus kami talaga sa training tomorrow, then sa Sunday versus Kurashiki, paghahandaan namin mabuti,” said Meneses.
