Michele Gumabao speaks out on Creamline’s struggles in PVL after back-to-back finals absences

The Creamline Cool Smashers reaffirmed their status as the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) powerhouse after brushing aside their recent struggles to secure yet another podium finish. Creamline swept the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-15, 25-13, 25-22, to claim the bronze medal in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference on Sunday, August 31, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Cool Smashers extended their remarkable streak to 19 consecutive podium appearances in the PVL — a run unmatched in the league’s history.

Michele Gumabao spearheaded Creamline’s attack with 17 points on an efficient 58 percent success rate. She received strong support from Jema Galanza, who tallied 12 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez and middle blocker Pangs Panaga chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.

Although Creamline fell short of the Finals for the second straight conference, head coach Sherwin Meneses expressed pride in how his bench players stepped up to sustain the franchise’s winning tradition.

“Parang tradition na rin ‘yun sa amin na kahit sino ang nasa lineup, nagde-deliver talaga. Binibigay nila ‘yung hundred percent nila. Makikita rin naman sa training kaya madali magtiwala sa mga bench players,” Meneses said in the post-match press conference.

‘ANG DAMI PA NAMING TAO SA BENCH NA ‘DI NIYO PA TALAGA NAKIKITA.’ 👀

Michele Gumabao discusses how Creamline’s mindset shifts during podium games have helped keep the Cool Smashers’ medal streak alive in the PVL.#OSOnTheSpot #PVL2025 #PVLInvitational #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/dIvcXb74Ud

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 1, 2025

Meneses highlighted the performance of reserve hitter Lorie Bernardo, who was fielded in during the third set and responded with six points — another testament to Creamline’s depth.

Gumabao, meanwhile, praised the versatility of the team but admitted that the Cool Smashers had fallen short of their usual high standards this season.

“Kahit naman kami, alam namin kulang. Ang dami naming games na alam namin kaya namin, pero napapakawalan namin. May mga moments na dapat mature kami, pero kami pa ang nagkakamali,” Gumabao said.

“It doesn’t mean na nakapag-champion kami dati, or nag-grand slam kami, tapos tapos na. Ang dami pa talagang pwedeng gawin ng Creamline. Ang dami pa naming tao sa bench na hindi niyo pa nakikita — nandiyan si Lorie, si Ate Rhea. Kaya dapat namin mag-improve pa sa nakita na ng lahat before.”

Despite the missed chance at another championship, the bronze medal finish underscored Creamline’s consistency and resilience, keeping alive a streak that has made them the PVL’s most decorated and reliable contender.

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