In a crescendo of athletic prowess and emotional triumph, Bea De Leon etched her name into Creamline's annals as she sealed the deal in a heart-stopping finale against her former team, Choco Mucho.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker delivered the decisive blow, securing Creamline's first conference championship in a five-set thriller that left fans breathless and emotions soaring.
With the score teetering in the fifth set, tension hung heavy in the air as both teams battled relentlessly.
Then, as if fate had scripted the moment, the ball found its way to De Leon at the net.
With poise and precision, she executed a deft tip that sealed the fate of her former comrades, igniting pandemonium among the pink-clad faithful while leaving Choco Mucho's supporters reeling in disbelief.
For De Leon, the journey to this triumphant moment was laden with gratitude and reflection. Having donned the colors of the Flying Titans from their inception in 2019 until the culmination of the 2023 season, she understood the weight of the occasion.
"Sobrang thankful ko lang talaga," she expressed, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you sa lahat, sa teammates ko, kela Coach, kay Lord, God is so good, so wala. It’s really just an abundance of gratefulness in me. I’m just happy to be here."
But De Leon's championship-sealing point was not merely the result of chance. It was the culmination of a team effort fueled by unwavering resolve and unyielding faith.
Despite facing setbacks, the Cool Smashers rallied behind their captain, never losing sight of their goal. Players like Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, and Michele Gumabao each played pivotal roles, contributing to the team's epic comeback.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, De Leon acknowledged the nerves that gripped her throughout the match.
"Well, sobrang bonus lang yun na dun kami nakarating ng championship point dahil sa buong team," she admitted. "Sobrang kabado ako the whole time. So, nakikita ni coach yun. So yun, sobrang wala, yun lang talaga siguro, God’s will na talaga, ibinigay nalang talaga niya sa amin. Bonus lang yun, highlight nalang siya sa championship."
