Creamline is not resting on its laurels as it aims to remain on top of a much more competitive 2024 Premier Volleyball League.
Looking to defend their All-Filipino Conference title starting 20 February, the Cool Smashers will be banking on their tried and tested system while parading two new faces expected to further bolster their already star-studded lineup.
“We’re still working on the system and the team,” Creamline top winger Tots Carlos said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on Monday at the Diamond Hotel.
“Just like what we always say, we’re just always ready to give our best every game and we’re always ready to play our hearts out for the people, for the fans, and for everyone who supports the team.”
Creamline also beefed up its roster for the coming PVL wars following the release of top middle blocker Ced Domingo with the blockbuster acquisition of prized middle Bea de Leon and libero Denden Lazaro-Revilla from its sister team Choco Mucho.
“We’re very happy to have additional players in Creamline. It’s been a long time since we had new faces in the team,” Galanza said.
“So, we’re excited to see them jell and absorb our system in Creamline and also enjoy their time on the court. Just watch out for Creamline.”
Creamline is not resting on its laurels as it aims to remain on top of a much more competitive 2024 Premier Volleyball League.
Carlos, who was also feted as Miss Volleyball, along with skipper Alyssa Valdez, Galanza, Michele Gumabao and setter Kyle Negrito received the Cool Smashers’ recognition for volleyball excellence in the year that passed.
The Cool Smashers had a successful 2023 season after winning the two servings of the All-Filipino Conferences highlighted by an amazing sweep of the season-ending tournament despite the absence of ace setter Jia Morado-de Guzman and Domingo, who both brought their talents abroad.
Domingo, who is currently playing for Nakhon Ratchasima in the Thai League, has transferred to Akari. De Guzman will miss another conference as she is still seeing action for Denso Airybees in the Japan V.League.
Creamline also finished runner-up to Japanese club Kurashiki Ablaze in the mid-season Invitational Conference.
The seven-time PVL champion’s achievements did not go unnoticed as it joined other Filipino athletes who shone brightly in the year 2023.
“We’re very thankful for the success of Creamline last year and we’re very happy that (PSA) also recognized Tots as Ms. Volleyball,” Gumabao said.
Creamline is the first volleyball club to receive the recognition since Cignal was feted in 2018.
“I guess this just shows our hard work and effort are being recognized. We’re happy the Creamline Cool Smashers, each one of us, is getting this kind of recognition,” Galanza said.