Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2025 PVL on Tour semifinals. They were ousted by the PLDT High Speed Hitters. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Missing the PVL on Tour final was a tough pill to swallow for the Creamline Cool Smashers, but it’s a lesson that they carry tothe bronze medal game and the next tournaments.
For the first time in three years, Creamline missed the championship game since the 2022 Reinforced Conference after blowing a 2-1 advantage in its knockout semifinal game against PLDT, who was powered by Savi Davison’s 34-point night, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PVL on Tour: Savi Davison, PLDT eliminate Creamline to enter finals
Despite missing out on their supposed eighth straight PVL final, the Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses was gracious in defeat, tipping his hat off to the High Speed Hitters and other teams for raising the level of the pro league.
“Of course, we’re a bit disappointed we didn’t make it to the finals, but honestly, PLDT really deserved that spot. They’ve been playing very well.
“For now, we’ll shift our focus to the battle for third place and bounce back in the Invitational. That’s just how it is,” said Meneses in Filipino.
Creamline Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRERnet
For the first time since 2019, there will be no Creamline or Petro Gazz in the PVL finals, as PLDT makes its championship debut against the 2021 bubble titlist Chery Tiggo on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Creamline guns for a bronze medal finish against Cignal.
“The competition keeps getting stronger, so every day, you really have to stay focused in training and give your 100 percent because that’s our responsibility,” said Meneses. “That’s what I always remind the team: never take it lightly. Other teams are getting stronger, too, but I believe our team is also continuing to get better.”
Meneses is putting a premium on longer preparation time after a gruelling schedule from Creamline’s runner-up finish in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference to representing the country in the AVC Champions League.
“One big takeaway is that full preparation is really crucial. But of course, no excuses, we just have to do better next time. Hopefully, in the future, we get more time to prepare so we can hit our peak, just like Creamline,” he said.
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Creamline is listed to compete in the Invitational Conference from August 21-31, facing the semifinalists of the On Tour, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, and Cignal as well as guest teams from Japan, Kurashiki Ablaze and Kobe Shinwa University.