THERE can be no question about Creamline’s unrivaled stature as the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL), well, premier team, with eight championships in its seven-year run to date.
For a team with 33 PVL individual awards amassed, on top of eight Finals MVP and seven conference MVP nods, it remains crystal clear why the dynastic Cool Smashers have long been the league’s benchmark of success.
READ: Alyssa, Tots set to return soon but Creamline not rushing stars
All those still not enough? Then let's just hear it then from three-time PVL best opposite spiker Michele Gumabao, who’s been with the club for six of its seven years in the league.
As she went form starter to second-stringer and now, back to Creamline’s star-studded starting core, Gumabao has been the eight-time champs’ go-to local scoring ace with 18.5 points in their 1-1 start to the Reinforced Conference in the absence of three-time PVL MVP Tots Carlos, who's dealing with an undisclosed minor injury.
Next woman up over one-woman show
When it comes to Creamline, its biggest flex has always been its starpower up and down the roster.
Now put to the test without the champion-MVP trio Carlos, Jema Galanza, and team captain Alyssa Valdez, the Cool Smashers continue to prove that they’re not — and never will be — a one-woman show.
“Creamline naman isn’t just one player, it’s really the whole team. We’re really one big family and pare-pareho naman kami ginagawa every day. We all have the same program, we all have the same training, our coaches treat us all the same, so whenever we step into the court, we all have to perform in the same way also,” said Gumabao.
Simply put, it’s always ‘next woman up’ over being a one-woman show.
“Kahit naman sa mga coaches namin, hindi nila hinahanap ‘yung mga wala, so kailangan sa sarili namin, once we’re inside, we have to really take this opportunity, especially kami na hindi rin part ng first six before. We really need to step up para sa hinihintay naming bumalik," she added.
Always a target on Creamline's back
One recurring trend Gumabao also pinpointed when it comes to how they fare over the rest of an increasingly competitive PVL field is that opponents unfailingly give them their best shot.
Of course, that's not too difficult to understand why.
“I think lahat naman, when they (go) against Creamline, they’re more excited and I think talagang gigil na gigil sila siyempre na makatapat and matalo kami. Kahit isang set, malaking bagay din ‘yun for their confidence,” she said.
As acting team captain in Valdez’ absence, positioning themselves as the league’s yardstick - even in an import-laden conference where they’ve struggled over the years - all comes down to finding each and every way one can contribute at any given time.
“Pare-pareho naman kami ng role and lagi rin namang nire-remind samin ni coach [Sherwin Meneses] na leader din kami lahat on and off the court, so whether you’re playing or not, you always have to have a big contribution to the team," she said.
“So, to be ready, kung ano lang talaga ‘yung opportunity sa harap, kailangang i-take advantage lang talaga. Kapag nakakuha ng set, kailangan paluin, so just really doing my job inside and really trying to contribute in any area that I can.”
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