After Creamline's victory in Candon, Sherwin Meneses returns to Manila for NU's Game 2 battle in the Shakey's Super League Pre-season Championship Finals.
It has been a hectic past 24 hours for Creamline and National University head coach Sherwin Meneses.
As the Cool Smashers departed for Candon City, Ilocos Sur for their 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference road game, Meneses had to stay in Manila to coach the Lady Bulldogs in Game 1 of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Finals.
On Friday night, Nov. 22, NU came out on top against La Salle in straight sets, 25-16, 25-12, 27-25 to draw closer to its three-peat bid.
Shortly after the match, Meneses headed up North where he would also guide Creamline past Akari in another sweep, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16.
"Siyempre, masaya kasi panalo kahapon, panalo ngayon. Pero hindi pa naman tapos 'yung mga games, so ita-try naming ma-improve pa 'yung team namin," Meneses said during the post-match interview.
Chief tactician Sherwin Meneses poses with his Creamline squad before their match against Akari in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference in Candon City, Ilocos Sur on Saturday, Nov. 23. | Photo (c) PVL
But the work is not over just yet for the double-duty coach as Meneses will head back to Manila for Game 2 of the SSL Finals on Sunday, Nov. 24.
"Actually, pauwi kami ngayon, eh, mamaya. So bukas, nasa Manila na kami," said Meneses.
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When asked about his busy weekend so far, Meneses simply laughed it off and emphasized the importance of both jobs.
"Actually, hindi naman napagod. Siyempre may duty tayo, so talagang trabaho lang. Pero siguro, mga after nito, mga one month leave siguro ako," Meneses jokingly said.
"Hindi, ganoon talaga, important 'yung game sa Manila. Siyempre, importante rin 'yung sa Creamline."
The Lady Bulldogs aim for the kill against the Lady Spikers at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Taft, Manila.
Meanwhile, the Cool Smashers, who are now back at full strength with the return of three-time Most Valuable Player Tots Carlos, will ready themselves for their huge match against Choco Mucho on Dec. 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
"Siyempre, sobrang ganda [na healthy na kami lahat] kasi first time sa Philippines 'yung six-month tournament. Walang naka-experience niyan. So mas marami kang player, mas okay. 'Pag healthy pa, talagang napapabor sa amin," Meneses said.
"Talagang titingnan namin kasi walang naka-experience ng six-month tournament, so talagang importante 'yung health ng bawat players," he added.