FOR many, it’s a dynasty. Some may call it destiny. Others insist it’s a masterclass in dominance. But to keen followers of Creamline, it’s a combination of all three – infused with a winning culture built on cohesion, camaraderie and fierce determination.
That’s what has powered the Cool Smashers through a staggering 10 championships in 13 Premier Volleyball League finals appearances.
In their latest feat, the Cool Smashers cemented their legacy by achieving a historic grand slam, an achievement that will forever be etched in PVL history. Their victory in the Invitational 2024 was not just about physical prowess – it was a testament to a mental fortitude that has been sharpened over years of championship battles.
In a winner-take-all match against a tenacious Cignal squad, Creamline found itself trailing 1-2 in sets – a situation where many teams would have crumbled. The Cool Smashers, however, did what they do best – stay composed under pressure.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth set when Creamline’s seemingly comfortable 10-6 lead began to evaporate. With Cignal edging ahead at 19-18, the Cool Smashers showcased the calm they have cultivated through countless high-stakes matches. It was a display of poise rarely seen in the PVL, and the experience of being on the championship stage 13 times showed.
Key to this turnaround was the leadership of playmaker Kyle Negrito, whose steely determination epitomized Creamline’s collective grit. Her control of the tempo and her 25-excellent set performance not only helped bring the team back from the brink but also earned her the tournament’s Best Setter and Finals MVP honors.
“Coming into this conference, our mindset was to hold on to the advantage of being together for a long time,” said Negrito. “We respect each other’s roles, and that respect fuels our performance.”
The Cool Smashers’ victory wasn’t just about strategy – it was about each player stepping up when it mattered most. Erica Staunton, a once-middling import who has since blossomed into a powerhouse, was key in sealing the fourth frame.
After Cignal leveled the score at 22, Staunton’s two clutch plays – a block on Ces Molina and a thunderous kill – catapulted Creamline to set point amid the deafening cheers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Though Cignal pushed back, extending the set and rekindling its own hopes of clinching a breakthrough championship, Creamline’s trademark composure held firm. Staunton delivered once again, and with the help of Jema Galanza and Risa Sato, the Cool Smashers fended off a late Cignal surge, forcing a deciding Set 5.
And in a stretch where every point is magnified, Staunton and Bernadeth Pons carried the team on their backs, surging to a 7-4 lead. Though Cignal kept the match tight with a three-point run, Staunton once again came through, delivering sharp-angled spikes that were too powerful to stop.
Her relentless attacks proved to be the final nail in Cignal’s coffin, particularly after a devastating play that saw Cignal’s MJ Perez sprawled on the court, unable to contain the momentum.
From there, the Cool Smashers managed the game with the kind of resoluteness they’ve perfected over years of competing at the highest level. Even as Cignal closed the gap to 13-14, head coach Sherwin Meneses called a perfectly timed timeout that refocused the team, leading to a match-winning, history-clinching Galanza attack.
Staunton and Pons finished with 29 and 27 points, respectively, while Galanza and Pangs Panaga each added 11. Michelle Gumabao, whose steady contributions throughout the conference earned her a first MVP trophy, chipped in with five points in this historic match.
With the victory, Creamline not only completed a rare grand slam – winning all three conference titles in 2024 – but also secured its fourth straight championship, a streak that began with the 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
Their journey through the season serves as a masterclass in adaptability, mental toughness and teamwork – qualities that make them more than just champions – they are trailblazers.
“We’ve built a culture where every player knows their role and steps up when needed,” added Negrito. “It’s that trust in each other that sets us apart.”
But as they revel in their latest triumph, the Cool Smashers are far from content. Their hunger for more titles remains strong, and with every game, they continue to redefine what it means to be a champion in the country’s premier league.
Creamline’s dominance in the 2024 season will not be easily matched, let alone surpassed. The Cool Smashers’ mental resilience, strategic brilliance and unparalleled teamwork have created a legacy that will inspire future generations of volleyball players.
As they continue to set the bar for excellence in the league, one thing is clear: the Cool Smashers are not done yet. They remain as level-headed as ever, ready to face new challenges and write even more chapters in their storied history.
