Creamline eyes eighth PVL crown
Creamline will parade a near-intact roster when it aims for a third straight title in the Premier Volleyball League that begins Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Coach Sherwin Meneses admits the formidable challenge ahead but remains committed to finding ways to clinch another championship — its eight overall — for the Rebisco franchise. “Creamline’s goal is to win championships. But the question is: ‘How are we going to do it?’” Meneses said. Having led the team to back-to-back All-Filipino crowns in the previous year, for their sixth and seventh championships since 2017, he knows that it will entail a lot from the Cool Smashers to get the job done as 11 teams — including two new ones — pose serious threats. “We take it one point at a time and we always prepare whoever will be playing us,” he said. Blessed with a roster made up of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, Kyle Negrito, Pangs Panaga and Bernadette Pons, among others, the Cool Smashers have further strengthened their lineup by acquiring top middle Bea de Leon. The former Choco Mucho skipper is expected to bolster the team’s defense and boost their firepower. Despite the additions, however, Meneses, remains cautious, highlighting the time needed for the team to gel, especially with new members like defensive ace Denden Lazaro-Revilla. “Of course, we need time to adjust and adapt to the system but I am confident they will be able to do that because they are veterans.” To pave the way for another championship opportunity, Meneses is putting premium on their preparation, focusing on minimizing mistakes, especially basic errors. “Like in the past, our preparation is focused on minimizing basic errors because the other teams have strengthened their own lineups this conference,” Meneses added.