The Creamline Cool Smashers look to add another title in its already-stacked trophy cabinet, needing just two more wins to bag the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The PVL Reinforced Conference has always been a thorn in the side of the Creamline Cool Smashers, with their last title win in the tournament coming in 2018.
But things are different now for the Cool Smashers, even without their superstars in Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza.
How did Creamline reach the semifinals despite being undermanned?
Finding the right import
Luck hasn’t been on the Cool Smashers' side in finding the right import to fit their system.
Then came 23-year-old outside hitter Erica Staunton, who gamely embraced Creamline’s culture and system under coach Sherwin Meneses.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Erica Staunton embraces Creamline’s motto on handling pressure ahead of Reinforced Conference]
Even without its superstars, Staunton has delivered time and time again for the Cool Smashers throughout the conference.
Slow start, quick adjustments
But Creamline didn’t have it easy in the beginning after experiencing defeat in their first match of the conference against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
But the Cool Smashers easily bounced back, even securing the top spot in Pool A with a 4-1 record.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Surging Creamline takes top spot of Pool A with straight-set drubbing of Nxled]
Creamline carried this momentum heading into the crossover round, where they only lost one game—against the defending champions Petro Gazz Angels.
Dethroning the defending champions
As fate would have it, Creamline and Petro Gazz would meet once more in the knockout quarterfinals.
This time around, the Cool Smashers made sure to leave no doubt as they dethroned the Angels in straight sets en route to another semifinal appearance.
9th title on the way?
Only two teams stand in the way of Creamline and their 9th PVL title.
First up will be the championship-hungry Cignal HD Spikers, who have proven to be a force throughout the conference.
[ALSO READ: Mega Powers finally collide: Cignal and Creamline brace for biggest PVL head-to-head yet]
Can the Cool Smashers prove that they can win a championship without its superstars? That will be tested on Saturday, August 31, at 6:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.