Denden Revilla and Bea De Leon took center stage for Creamline on Thursday, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the team's fervent fans who welcomed them with open arms during a thrilling clash against Akari in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The duo, absent from the Cool Smashers' opening win against Farm Fresh due to delayed health clearances, finally made their mark on the court on Thursday in a hard-fought 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18 victory over the Chargers at the Philsports Arena.
“It feels really good. ‘Yun nga, hindi lang ‘yung team ‘yung nag-welcome sa’min pati ‘yung fans ng Creamline, very welcoming and very supportive,” shared the 32-year-old defensive ace, Denden Revilla.
Bea De Leon echoed the sentiment, stating, "Well yeah, same lang din naman na sobrang init ng pagtanggap sa amin dito, and sobrang thankful din talaga kami na nabibigyan kami ng opportunity dito. So yun, thank you din talaga sa kanila na chineer nila kami today.”
In the tightly contested match against Akari, both former Choco Mucho leaders delivered impactful performances. De Leon, in her two sets played, scored five crucial points, while Revilla notched 11 excellent receptions, sharing the libero role with Kyla Atienza.
Revilla expressed her gratitude to Creamline’s coaching staff, led by head coach Sherwin Meneses, for their thorough preparation, enabling them to contribute to the victory.
“I’m so happy to be a part of this team and thank you sa coaching staff at sa mga teammates ko for the trust they’ve given me. Sobrang gaan ng feeling makapaglaro today and thank you for the opportunity, coach (Sherwin). Prinepare nila kami nang maigi today,” said the multi-titled libero.
De Leon added, “Sobrang saya ko po, and sobrang grateful na nabigyan ako ng opportunity today makapaglaro, at yun, wala, sobrang masaya lang po talaga ako na nakapag-contribute po ako today.”
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker, De Leon, cherished the chance to reunite with former Ateneo teammates Revilla, Alyssa Valdez, and Ella De Jesus, emphasizing the comfort and confidence that their presence brought to the court.
“Well, same lang din kay Ate Den na di ko rin akalain na makakapagsama-sama pa ulit kami, pero yun, kampante siya sa feeling ko kasi alam ko na kahit anong mangyari may sasalo sa akin, pagtingin mo sa--kahit sa court, andyan naman si Ate Ly, si Ate Els nasa likod mo lang (kasi) defender. So yun, napakagaan sa loob ko na nandyan lang sila, lahat ng seniors ko noon,” said De Leon.
Revilla, expressing her gratitude for the unexpected reunion, stated, “Ako, I never thought na makakapaglaro pa ko with them. So I’m really grateful to be a part of this team. Winelcome nila ko and I was given an opportunity to be a part of this team.”
