Meneses credits teamwork to Creamline’s success

CREAMLINE added more meaning to the word dynasty after running away with the All-filipino Conference crown in a jampacked Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night for its eighth Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championship trophy.

Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses simplified terms that describes their continuing success in the league—teamwork.

“It’s teamwork…that’s why we’re winning,” Meneses told BM on Monday, the day after Creamline survived sister team Choco Mucho’s gallant stand for a 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11 win in a match that lasted two and a half hours and witnessed by 23,162 relentlessly screaming fans.

Creamline also worked hard in Game 1 where they staved off Choco Mucho in four sets, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16.

Meneses took from Thai coach Tai Bundit in 2021 and didn’t disappoint the Rebisco franchise as the former Adamson University standout now has five titles to his name—four All-filipino and one Invitational Conference.

“is conference was harder than the others but the trust among the players prevailed,” said Meneses, who thanked the Rebisco management for the trust. “e five-setter tested our composures and our system.”

He’s one of the more composed coaches in the league and he wanted to remain just that—stay in the shadows of his superstar players.

“Exposure? Not necessarily. at’s fine as long as we’re winning, and the players are happy,” he said.

It was an extra long day at the Big Dome on Sunday with the battle for the bronze medal having gone five sets with Chery Tiggo prevailing over Petro Gazz, 16-25, 11-25, 25-13, 25-22, 18-16, to level their own best-of-three series.

But with Creamline sweeping the Finals, the Angels—led by conference Most Valuable Player Brooke van Sickle—clinched third place after the tiebreak.

A Creamline dynasty that’s bound to extend longer?

“Dadagdagan pa namin [Let’s add more]…9, 10 or 11? Forever!” said Creamline’s Jema Galanza as she addressed thousands of their fans during the victory celebration on Sunday night.

When Tots Carlos faltered and Alyssa Valdez faced resistance, Galanza relentlessly challenge Choco Mucho’s formidable defense with her array of shots.

Her 20-point contribution was a testament to her unwavering resolve as she was supported by Bernadette Pons, Pangs Panaga and Carlos, who each showcased their own brand of excellence.

But it wasn’t just Galanza’s offensive prowess that shone and her defensive acumen was equally impressive.

Teaming up with Pons, she anchored Creamline’s defense with 16 excellent receptions.

“It’s truly an overwhelming feeling because we never expected to make it to the finals…but here we are, champions once again,” Galanza said.

THE Creamline Cool Smashers put an exclamation point on their dynasty as Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle maker her mark in her league debut by winning the Most Valuable Player award.