For the first time since joining the league in 2017, Creamline will miss the podium — but head coach Sherwin Meneses is taking it in stride.
The Cool Smashers failed to capitalize on the absence of Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide in the first three sets and were eventually dethroned by the Angels, 23-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-14, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference quarterfinals on Monday.
“Ayun nga, yung sabi ko nga sa team, we must accept kung ano yung nangyari. Yun yung pinaka-best way na masasabi ko lang as a coach sa kanila,” Meneses said.
The loss also snapped Creamline’s untouchable streak of 19 consecutive top-three finishes, a run that had defined the franchise’s dominance over the past several years.
It was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for a team so accustomed to standing on the podium.
But Meneses emphasized that acceptance, as always, is the first step toward learning from setbacks and laying the foundation for a stronger comeback.
(C) PVL Images
“Siyempre, ako naman, lahat naman ng record nabe-break eh. So ‘yun siguro yung time ngayon,” said the champion coach, who guided the team to a historic grand slam just last year.
“Marami pa namang conference, so it’s better na i-accept agad namin kasi wala naman tayo — wala namang gustong matalo. Pero, ayun nga, pinaka-importante is acceptance ng pagkatalo,” he added.
Not lost in the heartbreaking defeat was the 43-year-old tactician’s respect and admiration for the determined Angels, who played with grit and resilience throughout the match despite missing Vander Weide for the first three sets.
“Talagang deserve talaga ng Petro Gazz. Sobra yung nilaro nila lalo na nung nawalan sila ng import. Talagang champion-caliber talaga yung team din talaga,” he said, praising the Angels for their gritty performance.
As for what’s next for the Cool Smashers, Meneses admitted he’s not entirely sure. He noted that the team is now in uncharted territory as they enter the new season with a clean slate and no titles left to defend.
“Reality is hindi namin alam kasi sabi ko nga ito yung first time ma-experience ng Creamline na hindi maka-pasok sa semifinals,” said Meneses.
“So depende doon sa attitude tsaka yung tibay ng players kung paano tatanggapin. Pero marami pa namang time para makabawi.”
