The Creamline Cool Smashers hope to have Erica Staunton back come the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Despite a tough campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses made it clear that American outside hitter Erica Staunton remains the top choice for the Cool Smashers in the upcoming PVL Reinforced Conference.
Creamline bowed out of the tournament after falling to Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC, 15-25, 22-25, 16-25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Thursday, April 24.
Even with imports Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasiya Kudryashova joining the team, Staunton led the Cool Smashers' scoring during their AVC stint with 28 total points.
The American spiker has also endeared herself to the team and fans alike with her steady production that led to Creamline's grand slam run last year.
“Medyo matagal pa kasi ‘yung Reinforced,” Meneses said during the post-game press conference. “Sana makakuha kami ng maganda [import] kung available man ‘yung gusto namin, especially Erica.”
“Kung makuha namin si Erica [and] available siya sa October.”
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But with the next conference still months away, Meneses said that the main focus for Creamline will be to rest, especially coming off a grueling All-Filipino campaign, which saw them finish second to Petro Gazz.
“Wala pa sa bokabularyo namin ang pagpili ng import,” Meneses explained. “Ang focus lang namin after nitong AVC is maka-rest talaga ang mga players namin.”
The multi-titled tactician also remained upbeat about the Cool Smashers’ AVC experience as they look towards bouncing back in the PVL.
“Masaya kami nakalaro kami sa AVC ulit kahit na ganyan 'yung resulta,” he said. “Hopefully, next international tournament makapag-prepare kami ng mas maganda. Malaking tulong itong experience na ‘to.”
For now, Creamline will take a well-earned break following a grueling All-Filipino campaign and a short turnaround for AVC duties.