The Creamline Cool Smashers displayed their dominance in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference by securing victories in all 11 elimination round games on Tuesday, setting the stage for an exciting journey to the semifinals.
Despite facing an initial setback in the first set against the Galeries Highrisers, the Cool Smashers showcased resilience and strength in the subsequent sets, ultimately achieving a convincing victory with scores of 19-25, 25-16, 25-14, and 25-13.
This triumph solidified Creamline's unblemished 11-0 record, establishing them as the team to beat in the competition.
Head coach Sherwin Meneses extended his congratulations to the players for their exceptional performance in the elimination round but emphasized that their ultimate goal surpasses this remarkable achievement.
"Congratulations to our players because in the elimination round, we were able to secure an 11-0 record. But of course, our goal is higher than the eliminations, so on Thursday, we'll probably work even harder as we enter the semifinals," said Meneses.
Looking ahead to the semifinals, Creamline is gearing up to face the fourth-ranked Chery Tiggo (8-3) in a best-of-three showdown. In their previous encounter during the eliminations, the Crossovers managed to take a set away from the Cool Smashers, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming series.
Emphasizing the importance of a strong start against Chery Tiggo, Meneses stressed that his team cannot afford a slow beginning reminiscent of the one they experienced against the 1-10 Galeries. The roster of Chery Tiggo, led by the Laure sisters Eya and EJ, Mylene Paat, Jasmine Nabor, and Shaya Adorador, poses a formidable challenge that Creamline is prepared to face head-on.
Game 1 of the semifinals is scheduled for Thursday, with Game 2 set for Saturday. In the event of a tie, a sudden death match will take place next Tuesday. Meneses underscored the importance of a focused mindset and strong performance in the upcoming matches, acknowledging the team's continuous improvement and the ongoing battle for supremacy in the league.
"What's really important is our mindset going into the games on Thursday and Saturday. Let's focus on the semifinals first, and then we'll see what we can do in the semifinals. The team will still improve. The battle is not over yet," he added.
The Creamline Cool Smashers are poised to embark on the next phase of their journey, eager to demonstrate their prowess and determination in the pursuit of defending the AFC title.
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