The Creamline Cool Smashers once again demonstrated why they are the undisputed powerhouses of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), securing their tenth PVL championship in spectacular fashion. The Cool Smashers etched their names in the history books with a hard-fought 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13 victory over the Cignal HD Spikers on Thursday, September 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This win not only marked another title for the team but also completed the first-ever PVL Grand Slam in PVL history, solidifying Creamline's dominance in Philippine volleyball.
TROPHY #10 SECURED AND A GRAND SLAM FINISH! 🏆💖
— Creamline Cool Smashers (@CoolSmashers) September 12, 2024
The Creamline Cool Smashers gave it their all in tonight’s match allowing them to secure their 10th Championship in the PVL and a Grand Slam victory! 🙌💖
Congratulations, Pink Volleybelles, we are so proud of you! 👏💖 pic.twitter.com/K2GUe406Cl
What makes Creamline’s Grand Slam feat even more impressive is that they achieved it without two of their most celebrated players, Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos. Valdez and Carlos, who have collectively won seven PVL Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, were sidelined for the entire season due to injuries. Despite their absence, the Cool Smashers showed exceptional depth and resilience, proving that their success is not reliant on individual stars but on a cohesive and adaptable team unit.
Leading the charge for Creamline was American import Erica Staunton, who capped off a dream debut season with an outstanding performance. Staunton scored 29 points, 26 of which came from attacks, making her a formidable force at the net. Her dynamic play was complemented by the brilliance of Bernadeth Pons, who not only contributed 27 points from 24 attacks but also excelled in defense with 13 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions. Pons, the Reinforced Conference MVP, delivered an all-around performance that proved crucial in Creamline's victory.
The Cool Smashers also benefited from the steady playmaking of Kyle Negrito, who registered 25 excellent sets, effectively orchestrating the team's offense. Supporting her were Jema Galanza and Jeannette Panaga, who chipped in with 11 points each, showcasing Creamline's balanced attack and depth. The synergy among the players was evident, as they consistently executed their plays under pressure, especially during the tense moments of the match.
After the game, Kyle Negrito spoke about the team's mindset throughout the season, emphasizing their unity and respect for each other’s roles. "It means so much coming into this conference na ang mindset lang namin pinanghawakan talaga namin na matagal na kaming magkakasama and alam bawat isa yung role nila. Talagang yung respect namin sa isa’t isa was there and I am just so proud of my team,” Negrito said in a media interaction. Her statement reflects the underlying strength of the Cool Smashers — a deep sense of camaraderie and a collective understanding of their goals.
Creamline's victory against Cignal marked the culmination of an extraordinary season in which they captured all three PVL titles — the Open, Invitational, and Reinforced Conferences. This Grand Slam triumph makes them the first team in PVL history to achieve such a feat, further enhancing their legacy as one of the most successful teams in Philippine volleyball. In just seven years, the Cool Smashers have amassed 10 titles, a testament to their consistent excellence and dominance in the league.
On the other side, the Cignal HD Spikers put up a valiant fight but fell just short of claiming their first PVL championship. Despite their defeat, Cignal can take pride in their strong performance throughout the season, earning them their second silver medal to go along with a league-record five bronze medals. The franchise, however, is still in pursuit of a championship, with their last title coming from the 2017 Invitationals of the now-defunct Philippine SuperLiga.
Cignal's determination and potential were evident in the way they pushed Creamline to the brink in the finals. The HD Spikers' performance suggests that their championship drought may soon come to an end as they continue to build on their successes and learn from their setbacks.
With the PVL season concluded, fans and teams alike are already looking forward to the next season. Creamline's Grand Slam victory sets a new benchmark for excellence, and other teams will undoubtedly be motivated to challenge their supremacy. The absence of Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos did not hinder the Cool Smashers this season, but their potential return next season could make Creamline even more formidable.
For Cignal and other contenders, the off-season will be a crucial time to reassess strategies, bolster rosters, and prepare for the challenges ahead. The competition is expected to intensify as teams aim to dethrone the reigning champions and make their mark in PVL history.
The Creamline Cool Smashers' historic Grand Slam victory is not just a testament to their skill and determination but also a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the competitive spirit of Philippine volleyball. As they bask in the glory of their achievements, the Cool Smashers have set a new standard in the PVL, inspiring future generations of players and teams to aim for greatness. For Cignal and other aspiring champions, the journey continues, with each match bringing them one step closer to their ultimate goal.
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