Like fine wine, Creamline continues to improve with time. Despite missing key players, the Cool Smashers have consistently proven themselves dominant in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Under the leadership of Sherwin Meneses, the architect behind their success, Creamline has perfected a winning formula that leaves opponents struggling to keep up.
Their resounding victory over the Akari Chargers in the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals at Philsports Arena on a rainy Wednesday was a testament to their staying power.
The Chargers entered their first finals riding a 10-game win streak, confident after toppling higher-ranked teams in dramatic reverse sweeps.
However, Creamline, missing standouts Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza, orchestrated a straight-set sweep to shatter Akari’s championship dreams.
Meneses, showcasing his tactical mastery, managed the remaining lineup with precision.
The Cool Smashers didn’t rely on traditional playbooks but instead adapted to each moment, capitalizing on their collective experience and versatility.
Meneses trusted his players to execute on the court, embodying a strategic advisor role more than a direct tactician.
“Every championship is special,” Meneses said after the match, which took only 60 minutes and secured Creamline’s ninth title.
“But this one stands out because we were missing a lot of key players. Despite that, our team worked incredibly hard and still managed to secure the title.”
Many doubted Creamline’s ability to overcome their challenges, both internally and externally.
Yet with import Erica Staunton adjusting to the team’s system and Bernadette Pons stepping up as a leader, the Cool Smashers displayed depth and resilience when it mattered most.
Creamline’s road to the championship wasn’t without its hurdles. In the semifinals against the Cignal HD Spikers, they found themselves down two sets and on the brink of elimination.
However, true champions rise in adversity, and Creamline did just that—winning the next three sets to secure their 12th finals appearance.
On the other side, the Akari Chargers had an impressive run, including a thrilling five-set win over the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the semis.
But once they reached the finals, their inexperience showed. Oly Okaro, who scored 39 points in the semifinals, managed only 14 points in the title match.
While Akari’s finals debut ended in disappointment, the team has proven they have what it takes to compete in the future.
As the Chargers reflect on their loss, the Cool Smashers continue to set the standard for aspiring PVL champions.
Meneses and his squad will only grow stronger, their hunger for more titles undiminished.
“Each championship is special, but this one, in particular, showed just how much grit and determination this team has,” Meneses said.
If history is any guide, Creamline will remain a force to be reckoned with in future conferences, eager to prove their winning culture goes beyond individual talents.
