Cool Smashers using deep team bond in addressing major firepower shortage

Erika Staunton and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Reinforced Conference game against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Sherwin Meneses and his well-knit Creamline crew have experienced ups and downs together through the years.

And like any other team, chemistry matters for the Cool Smashers, especially now that they are being tested game in and game out in the PVL Reinforced Conference, where Meneses is asking a lot from his second stringers with the absence of his three biggest guns.

“Those who are playing now are already seniors as well,” Meneses said after the Cool Smashers maintained their dominance over sister team Choco Mucho that pushed the Flying Titans on the brink of elimination on Saturday night.

“But the character as a whole team, that is something which we are still looking for and I think it showed (in this game),” he added.

Creamline again played without the injured Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos and Alas Pilipinas member Jema Galanza in a 25-16, 25-19, 31-29 win in the latest installment to their blockbuster rivalry witnessed by close to 10,000 fans at Mall of Asia Arena. The Flying Titans were also without nationals Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag.

“I think what happened to us [in the third set], what we experienced, was an opportunity to toughen up our composure. It’s a good thing because the quarterfinals is nearing so it’s a good test for us,” Meneses added.

Choco Mucho’s own woes

Flying Titans Des Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya are also still recovering from ACL injuries while Kat Tolentino, playing limited minutes, is still not in peak form.

The long-time bond has also been rubbing off on import Erica Staunton as she took part for the first time in the blockbuster affair.

“I kinda just wanted to focus on enjoying [the massive crowd] because you never know if I’m ever gonna play in a crowd like that again. So it’s just really enjoying the moment,” Staunton said after pouring in 19 points.

After losing their opening game to PLDT, Creamline has only continued to be better, stringing together four wins before defending champion Petro Gazz snapped the streak. With a 5-2 record, Creamline is now assured of a quarterfinal seat.

The Cool Smashers are cramming to peak in time and add a second import-flavored title to the eight in its collection of championships.

“So many fans love Creamline,” Staunton said. “I came into a program that just really made sure to emphasize that they’re putting no extra pressure on me but [for me] to just go out there and have fun, enjoy the moment, enjoy being with my teammates.” INQ