Alyssa Valdez, Creamline optimistic for Reinforced Conference after training camp in Thailand

Following their training camp in Thailand, Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers are optimistic and eager to regain their grand slam-winning ways, starting with the PVL Reinforced Conference this month.

Since completing a historic grand slam in the 2024 season, Creamline slumped last season, finishing without a championship in all three conferences, including a second-place finish in the Reinforced Conference after faltering to rivals Petro Gazz Angels.

Valdez, a three-time MVP and Creamline skipper, said the team is eager to bounce back after the disappointing finishes with a renewed sense of focus after training in Thailand this past offseason.

“Very, very excited this conference dahil may mga reinforcement din and syempre we didn’t finish the way we wanted the past two conferences, so we’re very, very excited,” Valdez said.

“We just came back from our training camp in Thailand and we’ve been having tune-up games there,” she added.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

NO JIA FOR CREAMLINE 😔

Creamline veteran Alyssa Valdez says star setter Jia de Guzman will not see action as the Cool Smashers try to defend their PVL Reinforced Conference crown.

Valdez and teammate Michele Gumabao also talk about the Cool Smashers’ desire for another title. pic.twitter.com/jFg2cRk8aG

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) October 2, 2025

Creamline acquired the services of 6’2 outside hitter Courtney Schwan as their import for the Reinforced Conference.

Schwan helped the Orlando Valkyries win the Major League Volleyball Championship in the USA, as well as having stints playing overseas in Greece, France, and Italy.

“We’re looking forward to playing better this conference, and we also have reinforcements,” said the former Ateneo star.

“We’ve been working hard in preparing for this conference. We had a training camp in Thailand, and we just got back, so we’re really looking forward to having a better conference this conference, so, one game at a time,” Valdez added.

Creamline’s bid to end its longest championship drought will be boosted by the returns of Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon from injuries.

Longtime setter Jia de Guzman will miss the Reinforced Conference due to rest, but will return to the team in 2026, head coach Sherwin Meneses confirmed.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.