Creamline’s discipline stood out in Game 1 of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, as the Cool Smashers committed just 12 errors, much to the satisfaction of head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Sobrang satisfied kasi kung iko-compute mo, parang four lang kada set,” said Meneses, who seemed visibly pleased with his team’s composed performance.
Against a familiar opponent that had beaten them in two of their last three meetings prior to the championship series, Creamline showed poise and control throughout the match, pulling off a 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Cignal to move on the verge of its 11th title in the league.
Meneses, however, is hoping the team can sustain the same level of performance heading into Game 2, stressing that they cannot afford to rest on their laurels as he believes the series is far from over.
(C) PVL Images
“Hopefully ma-improve pa namin ‘yun, pero happy kami doon sa 12 errors. Sana magtuloy-tuloy. Siyempre, sa Game 2 ibang usapan naman ‘yun; try namin i-maintain o mabawasan pa,” said Meneses.
Aside from their near spotless performance, the veteran coach also credited the Cool Smashers’ championship experience — built from 15 Finals appearances — as a key factor in their dominant Game 1 triumph.
Meneses said that experience in high-pressure situations helped the team stay composed during key stretches, especially when the Super Spikers attempted to mount a comeback and shift the momentum of the match.
“Siyempre, sobrang advantage ‘yun kasi bihira namang mapunta doon, so yung experience na nakuha ng Creamline, dinala nila sa Finals,” said Meneses.
“Pero siyempre iba-iba yung situation. Sabi ko nga kanina, lahat naman gustong manalo, pero ibinigay sa‘min yung experience na ‘yun, so dapat magamit namin dito sa bago kasi past na yung champion — ito na yung bago, ito yung dapat naming paghandaan. Malaking factor din siguro kasi na-experience nila yung ganoong pressure.”
