The Creamline Cool Smashers continue to show their championship form as they book a ticket to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals.
It’s official: the Creamline Cool Smashers are Finals-bound after completing a reverse sweep over Cignal at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay last Saturday.
Import Erica Staunton and top local Bernadeth Pons finished with career highs of 38 and 28 points respectively. Captain Michele Gumabao came alive late to finish with 10, while veteran blocker Pangs Panaga added eight markers.
Pons’ all-around excellence also continues with 17 excellent digs, and 24 excellent receptions accompanying her 28 points.
Creamline is on pace to snap a six-year title drought in the Reinforced Conference, where they won with Thailand’s Kuttika Kapewin in 2018.
Now, the question is, can they go all the way in 2024?
It’s not too far-fetched. Creamline has shown their depth even with star trio Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza being sidelined. Now, there’s the Pons-Staunton duo, with Gumabao often accompanying them. Setter Kyle Negrito has also been a steady playmaker.
Staunton perfectly explains Creamline’s dynamic.
“I think what makes Creamline special is we’re not focused on one person. We’re not just one person offensive heavy. Kyle [Negrito] does a great job of distributing the ball. So I think that all of our hitters are threats. And that’s something that puts a lot of pressure on the other team,” the 23-year-old told reporters post-game.
“I remember the first practice back, I think we focused on just the simple balls, getting Kyle a good pass so that she can get our middles involved, run the offense pin-to-pin. And yeah, just making sure that we have all of our hitters involved in our offense. I think that’s a big change from the first loss [versus PLDT] to today.”
Creamline also brings championship experience as the PVL’s winningest team. They’ve won eight championships, and have made the Finals an unprecedented 11 times.
Saturday’s game was a show of the team’s championship heart. Cignal was performing well, only for Creamline to overcome their 2-0 set lead.
Now, Creamline hopes to bring that championship-tested resolve as they face Akari for their second Reinforced Conference title. That, alongside playing as a cohesive unit, and sticking to their vaunted system.
“Talagang message din talaga sa amin ni manager, si Sir Allan [Acero]. Sabi niya, the toughest battles are given to the toughest warriors. So, I think today talagang tinest ‘yung puso talaga namin. And you know, coming into the championship, kailangan nandun talaga ‘yung puso ng champion,” Gumabao said.
“So, so happy na napagdaanan namin ‘to. This makes us really one team. And at least talagang buo yung loob namin pagpasok ng finals.”
Erica Staunton’s perfect fit
Creamline has struck gold with Erica Staunton. Sherwin Meneses previously vouched for her fit, alongside how she’s compensated for their losses.
Gumabao, another Creamline lifer, also heaped praises toward the 23-year-old. Citing Meneses, she explained how Erica is “really a team player” which is accompanied by excellent work ethic.
“She is also happy when she plays and she has that good vibes that we always need to be part of the Creamline Cool Smashers and she has the heart. And that’s what we enjoy about her playing inside the court,” said Gumabao, who’s in her sixth year with the Creamline.
“She never gives up. She’s always there to help the team. And that’s what Creamline is all about. It’s really the collective or the whole team. We’re never just one person like what she said a while ago.”
Staunton is Creamline’s top scorer, as with most imports. But on occasion, she’s taken a backseat to either Pons or Gumabao to create a balanced attack. It’s a perfect showing of Erica’s attitude as a team player according to Gumabao.
“We’re just happy that even as an import, she has that (team first) mentality. Because I think we’re so used to imports that they want to do everything. And even though they can, I know she can, but she also trusts us as locals to also help her do her job. And that’s the most important thing.”
Now, Staunton and the Cool Smashers will look to put on another balanced attack as they battle the undefeated Chargers for the Reinforced Conference crown.
Banner image courtesy of the Premier Volleyball League.