After AVC Cup, Creamline set for Asean Grand Prix stint in Thailand

Creamline-Philippines during a classification game against Chinese Taipei in the AVC Cup for Women. AVC PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — After a decent showing in the AVC Cup 2022, Creamline will represent the Philippines anew in the 2022 Asean Grand Prix from September 9 to 11 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses confirmed their participation in the four-team tournament after they settled for sixth place in the AVC Cup on Monday at PhilSports Arena.

“Our management told us that we will play in the Grand Prix. We have a two-day break then we will start training again,” said Meneses in Filipino after their 26-28, 21-25, 21-25 defeat to Chinese Taipei in the battle for fifth place.

“Hopefully, we could bring our (good) exposure from the AVC Cup going to Thailand,” he added.

The Philippines will face 2019 two-leg winner Thailand on September 9, Vietnam on September 10, and runner-up Indonesia on September 11, with the best record emerging as champion.

However, it remains uncertain whether Alyssa Valdez, who missed the AVC Cup due to dengue, will be available.

“I can’t tell but hopefully, she will be back and will recover fast. Having Alyssa on our team would be a big boost,” he said. “But her health is our main concern. We’ll see in the coming days.”

Despite missing Valdez and having short notice in representing the country in the AVC Cup, Creamline impressed with three wins in seven games to give the Philippines its best finish in its second participation in the tournament, surpassing its previous ninth place in 2018.

The Philippines, composed of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games team, won back-to-back bronze medals in the first two legs of Asean Grand Prix three years ago.