Creamline’s Erica Staunton calmly navigates pressure with a PVL title in reach in her rookie conference.
Erica Staunton continues to impress in her pro volleyball debut as she writes her chapter in Creamline’s winning history.
Erica scored a game-high 19 points built on 16 kills and three blocks in her PVL playoff debut against Petro Gazz. Once again, she was unfazed by the sizable crowd in the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
“I didn’t want to be done playing with this team. I love playing with these girls. I would’ve been devastated if today was my last day. So, I’m just happy that we extended our run and we’re fighting for the semis now,” the NCAA Division 1 product said post-game.
As a rookie, Erica’s been tasked to reinforce the PVL’s most successful team. Yet with her performances, it’s hard to believe that she’s in her first professional campaign.
The former Georgia Bulldog is among the conference’s top 10 scorers, joining the explosive Marina Tushova, and returnees Khat Bell, MJ Perez, and Lena Samoilenko among others. Likewise, she is among the conference’s most efficient spikers and blockers.
Creamline and Petro Gazz also share a storied rivalry. Despite the Cool Smashers’ stability, the Angels entered Tuesday’s quarterfinals on the heels of a major resurgence.
Yet Creamline’s sweep happened with Erica at the helm. Besides her ates, Erica shared her own pre-game routine to take some pressure off her back.
“I have a pretty specific pre-game ritual. I kind of do a lot of things just to get my mind right before every game. Focus on my breathing, just mindfulness, visualization stuff. Just because that personally really helps me with settling any nerves,” the 23-year-old revealed.
She also makes it a point to remind herself that “volleyball is fun”, alongside the enjoyment of playing with the Cool Smashers’ veterans.
“And, just making sure that I’m staying ‘‘external’ because if I get ‘internal’, and too much in my head, then it affects my play. So just making sure that I’m connecting with my teammates all the time. Communicating, overly communicating if I’m feeling any nerves or anxiety or anything like that. So, really just kind of working on like mindfulness things to stay calm.”
Creamline is one win away from securing a Finals berth in the Reinforced Conference. It’s a rocky road, but the squad has flaunted its elite form.
Sherwin Meneses himself vouched for Erica’s fit in their system, and how she filled the gaps left by the sidelined Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza. The remaining locals have also stepped up, with Michele Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons often complementing Erica’s consistency.
Erica, of course, is determined to finish her rookie conference as a champion. Now, it’s a matter of taking it one step at a time as playoff pressure mounts up.
“Just one day at a time, one practice at a time. Yeah, but overall, extremely excited and I feel very blessed to be here on this team with obviously experienced champions. So, I’m very lucky,” she said.
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.