For the multi-titled Creamline Cool Smashers, the PVL On Tour kicking off this Sunday (June 22) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, is more than just a preseason showcase. It’s a crucial step in rebuilding chemistry, integrating new talent, and laying the groundwork for yet another title run.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about winning these games,\u201d said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses. \u201cThis tour gives us a platform to build cohesion, especially now that we\u2019ve added two young middle blockers who are learning our system.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Cool Smashers open their campaign against the revamped Capital1 Solar Spikers at the Chavit Coliseum, then returns to the court Monday to face the feisty Akari Chargers \u2013 an early litmus test for the 10-time league champions.<\/p>\n
Beyond preparation, the Cool Smashers are also seeking redemption after a heartbreaking fall to the Petro Gazz Angels in the recent record-setting PVL All-Filipino Conference finals.<\/p>\n
In the recent PVL Rookie Draft, Creamline selected National University standout Sheena Toring with the 12th overall pick, followed by University of the Philippines product Nica Celis at No. 23. Both are promising middle blockers expected to contribute immediately, especially with several veterans still on the mend.<\/p>\n
Toring, who briefly played under Meneses during his stint at NU, brings not just skill but a leadership presence the coach values highly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMalaking bagay si Sheena para sa amin, especially with her maturity and experience,\u201d Meneses said. \u201cWe were honestly lucky that she fell to us at 12. It\u2019s great to continue what we started back in NU.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her calm, intelligent play fits seamlessly into a Creamline middle rotation already featuring newly crowned PVL Best Middle Blocker Bea De Leon, seasoned anchor Pangs Panaga, rising talent Lorie Bernardo and veteran Pau Soriano.<\/p>\n
But with De Leon and other core middles still limited in practice due to recovery and therapy, the PVL On Tour becomes a golden opportunity for Toring and Celis to gain valuable playing minutes and blend with the veteran core.<\/p>\n
\u201cSiyempre, napaka-importante ng middle sa amin ngayon, lalo na\u2019t may mga hindi pa nakakabalik sa full training,\u201d added Meneses. \u201cMas maganda na yung marami kaysa kulang\u2014and I think both rookies deserve to be here with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Toring brings a pedigree and proven leadership, Celis is quietly making a strong impression with her athleticism and adaptability.<\/p>\n
\u201cNapaka-athletic ni Celis. Sa Creamline, mahalaga yung versatility\u2014someone who can adjust to different roles if needed,\u201d said Meneses. \u201cShe fits that mold well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just weeks into their integration, both rookies are already being tested in drills and scrimmages. In a team built on excellence, there\u2019s no room for complacency. Every point and every set is a chance to earn their place.<\/p>\n
\u201cLahat nagte-therapy, lahat may kanya-kanyang restrictions,\u201d said Meneses, emphasizing the team\u2019s careful management of its veterans. \u201cBut having more players actively training, especially young ones who bring energy, is a big advantage. I\u2019d say the team is at around 60 to 70 percent right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, numbers only tell part of the story. For a program built on discipline, a team-first mindset and elite talent, integrating rookies like Toring and Celis is as much about attitude as it is ability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For the multi-titled Creamline Cool Smashers, the PVL On Tour kicking off this Sunday (June 22) in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, is more than just a preseason showcase. It’s a crucial step in rebuilding chemistry, integrating new talent, and laying the groundwork for yet another title run. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about winning these games,\u201d said…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2632,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[313],"class_list":["post-3245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-pvl-on-tour"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3245"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3246,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3245\/revisions\/3246"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinoystep.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}