‘Zen’ Cool Smashers book semis berth

Coach Tai Bundit doesn’t only train his Creamline charges to be physically fit. He also makes sure his players are psychologically in tip-top shape too.

“Coach Tai taught us to meditate even during the game,” said Creamline setter Jia Morado. “It helps us think clearly and adjust against our opponents.”

The zen approached continues to work wonders as Creamline ripped Motolite, 25-15, 25-20, 25-23, Wednesday night and formally booked a semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

The Cool Smashers had a slow start at Filoil Flying V Centre, needing a big push to break out of a 6-6 deadlock to eventually score their sixth straight victory for a 6-1 record.

“We know Motolite really studied us and knew how to play against us,” said Morado. “So what we did was go back to coach Tai’s system and get back into the game.”

The Thai mentor is known for carrying out a rigorous training regimen and hardly gives instructions during the game itself.

Morado fanned out 26 excellent sets, feeding all the Creamline heavy hitters like imports Aleoscar Blanco and Kuttika Kaewpin as well as local stars Alyssa Valdez, Michell Gumabao and Jema Galanza.

The win spoiled the maiden appearance of Motolite captain Myla Pablo and ended the squad’s two-game run. Motolite dropped to 2-5.

Earlier, PacificTown-Army soldiered on by taking down BaliPure, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21.

The Lady Troopers scored their fourth win in seven matches.