Creamline stars excited to see newcomers shine

Creamline stars during the PSA Awards.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Determined to continue their winning tradition this 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers can’t wait to see newcomers Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla thrive under their system, which made them the most successful club in the country with seven championships.

Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Kyle Negrito, and Miss Volleyball Tots Carlos were head turners in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on Monday, receiving Creamline’s citation after a successful year in the PVL with two championships out of the three conferences.

But the Cool Smashers remained hungry for more with De Leon and Revilla transferring to their team from their finals rival and sister team Choco Mucho during the offseason.

“Of course I’m happy that we have new additions to our team. It’s been a while since we had new players. So we’re excited for them to learn Creamline’s system and just enjoy playing inside the court,” Galanza told reporters in Filipino.

FILE–Bea De Leon.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Galanza, one of Creamline’s go-to spikers with Carlos and Valdez, was honored to receive an award from the PSA — the oldest Philippine-based media group established in 1949.

“This just shows all the hard work and effort we put into our game and we’re happy that each one of us at Creamline was recognized,” said Galanza.

Besides their citation, Michele Gumabao was proud of her fellow opposite spiker Carlos, who was crowned as the newest Miss Volleyball after joining Valdez as the only three-time PVL MVP in the first All-Filipino Conference last year and emerged as the Finals MVP of the season-ending tournament to complete a 15-game sweep.

“Of course we’re thankful for the success of Creamline last year and we’re very happy for Tots to be recognized as Miss Volleyball and to be receiving the awards,” Gumabao said.

Valdez, a three-time Miss Volleyball, marveled at Carlos’ rise to stardom, too.

The Cool Smashers won the two All-Filipino championships last season but settled for a runner-up finish after losing to Japanese team Kurashiki Ablaze in the Invitational Conference.

Creamline, which lost middle blocker Ced Domingo, will be banking on De Leon and its newest libero Revilla to solidify their net and floor defense when the 2024 season kicks off with the All-Filipino Conference on February 20.