Creamline seeks redemption, not perfection says head coach Sherwin Meneses 

 A year removed from the heights of volleyball immortality, the Creamline Cool Smashers are returning to where their empire first began — the Reinforced Conference — no longer chasing history, but redemption.

The once-invincible Cool Smashers, who ruled 2024 with an unprecedented Grand Slam sweep of the All-Filipino, Invitational, and Reinforced Conferences, enter the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference as a team with something to prove. After all, for the first time in years, they are down to defending just one of their former three titles.

Their aura of inevitability took a hit early this year when Petro Gazz ended their All-Filipino reign in a grueling three-game Finals. Then, a third-place finish in the Invitational Conference last August reminded the 10-time PVL champions that dynasties, no matter how dominant, aren’t immune to time and evolution.

But head coach Sherwin Meneses refuses to view this campaign through the lens of pressure. For him, Creamline’s experience is their compass — the same one that has guided them through seven championships and countless do-or-die moments.

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.

Todo ang Good Vibes dahil the Creamline Cool Smashers celebrates their 19th Straight Podium Finish!

Bilib na bilib kami sa inyo mga idol! Congratulations at salamat ng marami sa dala niyong good vibes palagi! #CreamlineCoolSmashers #CreamlineCreamyIceCream pic.twitter.com/Odrf5QvMxr

— Creamline Cool Smashers (@CoolSmashers) September 1, 2025

“Wala namang pressure. Ang Creamline naman is laging every game nag-a-accept kahit anong pressure. Wala naman. Marami pa naman conference, pero naka-focus kami this conference talaga,” said Meneses.

That focus will be put to the test when they open their campaign on October 11 at the City of Dasmariñas Arena — a fitting rematch against the Akari Chargers, the same team they outlasted in last year’s Reinforced Conference Finals.

This time, Creamline will rely on American import Courtney Schwan, whose arrival brings both power and curiosity. While other teams have reloaded with taller and more athletic reinforcements, Creamline’s edge lies in its familiarity with the high-stakes rhythm of import-laden competition.

“I think may advantage naman lagi ang Creamline diyan, dahil sanay na sa mga labanan na may import. Pero, syempre, sabi mo nga yung ibang team hindi magpapatalo yan. So, ready lang kami sa mga games namin ngayong conference,” said Meneses.

That readiness, he admits, will depend on two things: preparation and health. Creamline was far from full strength during the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference, playing without Tots Carlos and Bea de Leon, two key pillars on both offense and defense.

For Meneses, the real victory this time won’t just be another title, but ensuring that his squad stays intact through the grind.

“Hopefully, matapos ‘yung liga namin na healthy. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung no. 1, ‘yun yung target maging healthy hanggang sa end of the conference pero siyempre dapat ‘yung mindset namin talaga naka-defend sa title namin,” he said.

 “Hopefully, Courtney will be a big help for us.”

The road to another championship may look steeper than ever, but if there’s one thing Creamline has learned after years atop Philippine volleyball — it’s that dominance fades, but culture doesn’t. And that may be the real secret to their staying power.

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

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!