Creamline will meet the defending champions Kurashiki Ablaze next in their first clash since their epic Finals showdown last year.
Creamline main setter Kyle Negrito was quick to remind herself and the Cool Smashers heading to a brand-new tournament.
“Tapos na ‘yun [Reinforced Conference] so bagong season, bagong mindset,” Negrito bared in the aftermath of the Cool Smashers` fiery PVL Invitational Conference debut on Friday, September 6 in the Sta. Rosa City Sports Complex.
Mere days after ruling the Reinforced Conference, Creamline hardly missed a beat and imposed their might against the youthful EST Cola side with a straight-set victory.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Creamline makes quick work of EST Cola for rousing Invitational Conference start]
Negrito was at the forefront of that dominating performance, finishing with 15 excellent sets to help Creamline carry their winning momentum into the season-ending tournament.
The former FEU Lady Tamaraw reiterated Creamline’s focus is always the same since the beginning which is to hopefully replicate their success in the previous conference into the season-ending Invitational Conference.
“Mindset din naman namin nung una pa lang hanggang Invitational naman. Masaya kami na nakuha namin ‘yung Open Conference pero ‘di pa tapos," Negrito said.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses admitted the team was unable to practice yesterday but was happy on how Creamline did not let their guard down.
"Syempre masaya ako na kahit hindi kami nakapag-training kahapon, maganda pa rin ‘yung nilaro namin pero sure ako may training ako tomorrow. Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy yung maganda nilaro namin until matapos ‘yung Invitationals," he said.
Reigning Reinforced Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Pons echoed Negrito’s mindset as Creamline will meet a familiar foe in their next game.
The nine-time PVL champions are set on a collision course against the reigning Invitational champions and league-leading Kurashiki Ablaze on Sunday, September 8.
“New season, new conference so start new din kami, mag focus kami sa new conference kasi kung nagchampion kami nung ‘last, tapos na yon. Magtatrabaho ulit kami this conference,” Pons said.
“Nandoon din talaga ‘yung mindest na babawi sa kanila [Kurashiki] pero we take it one game at a time. Kung sino man yung kalaban namin dun muna kami nakafocus which sila.”