Michele Gumabao shines for Creamline in challenging conference
Creamline Cool Smashers’ MIchele Gumabao. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–With Creamline missing one of its stars, Michele Gumabao stepped up for the Cool Smashers whole conference long and emerged as the Best Opposite Spiker of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Gumabao, who also emerged as the top spiker of the elimination round, scored 18 points in the Creamline’s 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 title-clinching victory over Petro Gazz on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena. She averaged 19.0 points in their three-game Finals series.
Creamline went through the wringer in the Finals, losing Game 1 and needing five gruelling sets in Game 2 to force a decider against the hard-fighting Angels, who gave the Cool Smashers all they could handle.
“We were really challenged this finals. Coach Sherwin knows that Petro Gazz brought out a lot of surprises,” admitted Gumabao. “But everyone displayed composure and teamwork. Coach just reminded us to help each other and we have to work as one. At least, we forced a third game and we won it.”
Gumabao’s consistent numbers from the eliminations up to the finals were a big boost for Creamline, which played without injured three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez.
“We’re super happy because all of our hard work for the past few months resulted in a championship and of course, all the individual awards. But the best thing about it is the championship. We worked hard for it and we really prayed for it,” Gumabao said.
Alyssa Valdez on the bench for Creamline Cool Smashers. –PVL PHOTO
Gumabao said they never felt the absence of Valdez the court since she was always there to motivate and cheer for them from the bench or during practice.
“Of course, she’s part of our team’s motivation, because she is in practice every day even if she can’t play. She is always there to support us when we need a wake-up call,” said Gumabao of Valdez.
“We didn’t want her to be stressed on our game anymore because she has to focus on her recovery, and she has to focus also on getting back to her 100%. We dedicate this to a lot of people but Ate Ly was a huge inspiration to us.”
