PVL: Creamline upbeat ahead of Reinforced Conference title quest

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline is elated to have American import Erica Staunton and rookie Aleiah Torres ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference starting Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

In their bid to end a six-year Reinforced Conference title drought, the Cool Smashers tapped the 6-foot-1 spiker, who saw action in the US NCAA, and drafted Filipino-Canadian libero Torres as the 12th overall pick in the inaugural rookie draft next year.

Three-time PVL MVP Alyssa Valdez believes the winning attitude and skill set of their American reinforcement fits the Cool Smashers’ culture as Staunton spent her first four college years at Northeastern University Huskies, joining the prestigious 1,000 Kill Club. 

READ: PVL: Creamline pick Aleiah Torres ready for pressure

The two-time All-NCAA Coastal Athletic Association member also saw action for the University of Georgia Bulldogs during her final year in college.

“Erika really compliments our team in terms of character, attitude, playing style, as well. For me, you can see that she fits into our system,” said Valdez in Filipino. “We’re excited to see her contribute and help the team. She’s a joy to be around both on and off the court.”

Staunton’s arrival is a timely boost for Creamline, which will miss reigning All-Filipino Conference Finals MVP Jema Galanza due to her Alas Pilipinas duty.

The Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses is pleased with the American’s jelling with Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Michele Gumabao, setter Kyle Negrito, middle blockers Bea De Leon, and Pangs Panaga.

“So far, the adjustment has been excellent. The time given to us to integrate our import has been fruitful. Now, we’re just waiting for the game results,” said Meneses.

READ: PVL: Creamline taps Erica Staunton as import for Reinforced tilt

Meneses was also grateful to have drafted Torres, believing the Brock University product is a “4-in-1” type player in bolstering Creamline’s stacked libero position with Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Ella De Jesus, and Kyle Negrito.

Valdez is also excited to play with their new libero as they try to capture their first Reinforced title since 2018 with Petro Gazz dominating the last two editions in 2019 and 2022.

“We will also learn from her knowing that she’s coming from a different system, so we’re really looking forward. And I hope she will learn something from us,” said the Creamline captain. “As coach said, she’s a 4-in-1 type of player. We saw her skill set and she has an advantage in different aspects of the game. We’re happy that she’s part of our team.”

Creamline opens its campaign against PLDT in Pool A on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Galeries Tower and Nxled kick off hostilities at 2 p.m. while Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh mix it up at 4 p.m.