Creamline has been on an unbroken winning run since August 13, 2024.
That date marked the last time the Cool Smashers suffered a defeat in the Premier Volleyball League. They fell to the Petro Gazz Angels in a grueling five-set match, 23-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, 12-15, during the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Since then, Creamline has been unstoppable, securing the championships in both the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences while riding a dominant 10-game winning streak.
Now, in the ongoing 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, the Cool Smashers have extended their streak to 19 consecutive wins after sweeping their first nine matches.
But for win No. 20, standing in their way is title contender PLDT, whom they will face on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
While acknowledging the tough challenge ahead, head coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized that their focus remains on maintaining momentum rather than dwelling on their streak.
(C) PVL Images
“Yung preparation for PLDT, talagang dodoblehin namin. Pero number one, kailangan makapagpahinga kami nang maganda kasi medyo late ngayon,” said Meneses on Tuesday after Creamline’s straight-set victory over Farm Fresh.
“Titingnan muna ulit namin kung ano yung ibibigay ng scouting report, kung sinong babantayan. Pero knowing PLDT, contender din talaga sila ngayon, siyempre nandiyan sila Davison,” he added.
“Ready kami for PLDT. Yung winning streak saka na muna namin isipin. One game at a time lang muna kami.”
PLDT poses a formidable challenge, led by high-scoring outside hitter Savi Davison, alongside key offensive threats Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, and Kiesha Bedonia.
The High Speed Hitters also boast a strong middle-blocking unit featuring Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, and Dell Palomata.
Despite the mounting pressure of their winning streak, Jema Galanza — who delivered 15 points in their win over Farm Fresh — believes the Cool Smashers are used to handling expectations and will remain composed under the spotlight.
“Every conference naman po may pressure. Lagi lang kaming gising ng maaga, punta ng court, training lang. Sila coach naman, tinatrabaho namin kung sinong magiging kalaban namin. Wala naman kami na parang ‘oh wala pa tayong talo’ kaya dapat mas maganda yung nilalaro namin,” said Galanza.
“Gusto lang talaga ni coach na makuha namin yung laro ng bawat isa na sabay-sabay kami kapag may importanteng game na.”
With their remarkable streak on the line, the Cool Smashers will look to prove once again why they are the team to beat.
But against a hungry PLDT squad, the road to win No. 20 won’t come easy.
