PVL: Michele Gumabao returns, Lorie Bernardo joins Creamline

Creamline’s Michele Gumabao. PVL MEDIA BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines — Michele Gumabao returns to Creamline with newcomer Lorie Bernardo for the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitationals.

The Cool Smashers, who swept the Open Conference last April, are set to parade a deeper line-up posted on the PVL website on Friday evening with Gumabao returning to action and Bernardo turning pro after four years with University of the Philippines.

The star opposite spiker took a leave of absence in the Open Conference after she joined the 2022 national elections as a second nominee of a party list, which lost.

Gumabao last played in the 2021 season, where Creamline yielded to the Jaja Santiago-led Chery Tiggo in the finals of the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble.

Gumabao is set to reunite with Open Conference MVP Tots Carlos, Finals MVP Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Jia De Guzman in Creamline’s bid to win its second PVL title this year.

Bernardo, who only played only two full seasons in the UAAP, was also part of the Cool Smashers’ official roster.

The 21-year-old middle blocker is teaming up with fellow Maroon Carlos in her first pro stint, where she will join Jeanette Panaga and Celine Domingo in manning the frontline.

Bernardo was one of the few senior players for UP in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament. The Fighting Maroons missed the Final Four after finishing sixth with a 5-9 record.

Creamline opens its Invitationals campaign against Cignal on July 12 at San Juan Arena.