Yet another sign why the Cool Smashers have been perennial winners.
The Creamline Cool Smashers were part of yet another exciting match in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, but this time, they come out on the winning side.
One week after bowing down to the F2 Logistics in a five-set thriller, the defending All-Filipino champs took the win on Saturday against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 17-25, 25-11, 25-19, 25-21.
Chery Tiggo looked like they had Creamline’s number after winning that first set. The Cool Smashers needed to adjust, and adjust they did.
“’Yung Chery talaga naka-prepare din para sa amin,” said coach Sherwin Meneses. “Medyo hindi naging maganda ‘yung service receive kaya medyo naapektuhan talaga ‘yung atake namin. Pero naka-adjust naman agad.”
Some would say it was also because of Tots Carlos, who did not start the game because of a hamstring strain, but started the second set when Creamline took the momentum.
Other might say it was because of yet another balanced team attack from the Cool Smashers. Jema Galanza scored 25 points, Michelle Gumabao had 17, and Ced Domingo tallied 17. Jia de Guzman had 34 excellent sets while Kyla Atienza notched 20 excellent digs.
Perhaps it’s all of those things—and some more.
It cannot be denied that maturity and accountability within the team is helping bring in the wins for Creamline, which has now improved to 4-1. Take it from Galanza, who worked doubly hard with Carlos not at 100%.
“Kailangan din talaga mag-double time para ‘di mahirapan ‘yung buong team,” she said.
Creamline is already missing team captain Alyssa Valdez, who has yet to play a game this conference. But this winning mindset within the squad actually emanates from the former PVL MVP.
Galanza says Valdez continues to be proactive within the team, correcting them and nudging them in the right direction as needed.
“’Yung mga ganung klaseng simpleng gesture sa amin, pampagising talaga. Wina-one-on-one naman niya kami. Hindi lang ako, si Tots, sina Kyla. Hindi ko nafi-feel talaga na wala si Ate Ly,” she said.
“Pagdating mo sa training nandoon na siya, nauna pa siya sa’yo,” coach Sherwin chimed in to give more praise to Valdez. “Maaga ‘yun palagi. Talagang leader.”
Galanza says Ate Ly enables her to be more of a leader, and ultimately to play better.
“Sinasabi niya na, ‘Akuin mo rin ‘yung mga responsibility mo sa loob ng court.’”
With this atmosphere within the organization, it’s becoming more obvious that talent is not the only thing that’s setting the Cool Smashers apart.
They hope to prove it once again on Tuesday when they face Army-Black Mamba at 4:00 p.m.