The Creamline Cool Smashers have once again proven their dominance in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), clinching their ninth championship title by sweeping the Akari Chargers in the Finals of the Reinforced Conference. This victory not only solidifies their position as the reigning powerhouse in the PVL but also highlights their remarkable resilience and depth as a team.
On Wednesday, September 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, the Cool Smashers overcame the previously unbeaten Akari Chargers with a commanding 25-15, 25-23, 25-17 victory. This impressive feat was accomplished despite the absence of their star players Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza, who collectively hold seven PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. The team’s ability to perform at such a high level without their top athletes is a testament to their depth and the skill of the entire squad. This victory exemplifies the Cool Smashers' “next player up” mentality, where every team member is ready to step into the spotlight when needed.
With their usual leading scorers sidelined, the Cool Smashers turned to other players to fill the void. Bernadeth Pons rose to the occasion, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points, 14 of which came from attacks. Her outstanding play earned her both the Reinforced Conference MVP and Finals MVP awards. Pons' contribution was crucial in steering Creamline to victory, and her performance underscored her ability to step up when her team needed her the most.
Supporting Pons was Erica Staunton, the team’s star import, who made her presence felt with 13 points, including nine kills, three blocks, and an ace. Veteran Michele Gumabao also made significant contributions, adding 10 points to the scoreboard. The combination of experienced players and strong imports proved to be a winning formula for Creamline, enabling them to adapt and excel despite missing key players.
"I am proud of all our championships all the same, but this is more satisfying because we achieved this even if we are missing some players," said Creamline’s head coach Sherwin Meneses. "With the hard work of our players, we got this championship. We still have a lot of room to grow because our bench players are still young, and I hope Creamline’s achievements continue."
Meneses' words reflect the team’s ethos of continuous improvement and the belief that there is always more to achieve. His confidence in the younger, less experienced players bodes well for the future of the team, suggesting that Creamline’s dominance in the PVL is set to continue.
For the Akari Chargers, the Finals were a disappointing end to what had been a flawless run through the tournament. Entering the Finals unbeaten, the Chargers had high hopes of completing a perfect tournament run, but they struggled to find their rhythm against the well-prepared Cool Smashers.
Oly Okaro, Akari’s import, was the lone bright spot for the Chargers, managing to score 14 points. However, her efforts were not enough to counter Creamline’s balanced attack. The Chargers' star player, Ivy Lacsina, who had been a standout performer throughout the conference and was a strong MVP candidate, was limited to just four points in the match. Creamline's strategic defense effectively neutralized Lacsina’s impact, further demonstrating their tactical prowess and adaptability on the court.
This victory marks the second Reinforced Conference title for Creamline, further cementing their status as the most dominant team in PVL history. Their ninth championship overall is a testament to the team's consistency, preparation, and winning culture. The Cool Smashers have built a legacy of success that other teams aspire to, and they continue to set the standard in the league.
Their journey to the top has not been without challenges, but their ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure has been a defining characteristic of the team. Whether it’s overcoming the absence of key players or facing formidable opponents, the Cool Smashers have consistently risen to the occasion.
The Creamline Cool Smashers' victory is not just a win for the team, but a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of competition. As they continue to make history in the PVL, fans can look forward to more thrilling performances from this incredible team.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆#PVL2024 pic.twitter.com/YziO3nmXyB
— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) September 4, 2024
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