WHEN anyone mentions Creamline, the first things that come to mind are championships and a lineup loaded with MVP-caliber scorers.
Less talked about, but just as crucial to the Cool Smashers’ dominance, is their defense.
Halfway through the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference preliminaries, Creamline leads the league in all non-scoring categories: digging, receiving, and setting.
For head coach Sherwin Meneses, that is no accident.
READ: Red-hot Creamline sends Nxled reeling to fourth straight loss
Despite the team’s wealth of offensive firepower over the years, one physical disadvantage has always lingered: height. Compared to many teams in the league, Creamline is not the tallest squad, forcing the Cool Smashers to make up for it through relentless floor defense.
“Simple lang naman ‘yan eh, kasi siyempre hindi naman kasi kami kalakihan talaga kaya kailangan naming mag-double time talaga sa defense,” Meneses said.
“Hindi ganu’n [ka-consistent] ‘yung block namin kasi minsan kinakapos.”
Instead of relying solely on the block, Creamline emphasizes keeping rallies alive through disciplined floor coverage. And what pleases Meneses most is that his stars are just as committed to defending as they are to scoring.
“Makikita ko naman talaga na talagang willing silang dumepensa bago pumalo, so it's a good thing sa akin. Good na skills para sa Creamline na meron kaming ganung options din,” he added.
That balance was evident in their 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 win over Nxled on Saturday as the Cool Smashers' win streak stretches to five.
Wingers Bernadeth Pons and Tots Carlos led the digging department with a combined 26 of Creamline’s 51 excellent digs.
Newcomer libero Jen Nierva anchored the backline with 15 receptions at 50 percent efficiency, while Jema Galanza added 10 of the team’s 32 excellent receptions.
For the 10-time champions, it's defense first, then strike. And if history is any guide, that approach could very well keep the titles coming.
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