VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Sheena Toring knew she had big shoes to fill—and even bigger eyes watching her every move.
But when the lights shone bright and the moment came, the PVL rookie didn't flinch.
On Sunday night at the Chavit Coliseum here, the former National University stalwart officially opened a new chapter in her career, making a memorable debut for the Creamline Cool Smashers in their 25-10, 25-21, 25-10 dismantling of Capital1 in the 2025 PVL On Tour.
With veteran middle blocker Bea De Leon still recovering from injury, the 5-foot-10 Toring was thrust into the starting six—and she delivered.
In just two sets, she tallied five points, including a pair of booming service aces, showcasing the skillset and confidence that made her one of the most promising young middle blockers in collegiate volleyball.
“Super blessed ako,” said Toring, moments after stepping off the court for her very first PVL match. “Malaking pasasalamat ko kay Lord talaga kasi first pro team, sa Creamline agad ako.
“Malaki ‘yung expectations, so kailangan lang talagang i-improve ‘yung game ko everyday."
Expectations come naturally when you join a powerhouse like Creamline—the winningest team in the league, bannered by the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Jia de Guzman, and Jema Galanza. But for Toring, it wasn’t about pressure. It was about preparation, poise, and purpose.
It also helped that calling the shots from the sidelines was a voice she knew all too well—Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, who previously mentored her at NU.
“Minindset ko lang po talaga na since first six ako sa first game, nandun yung kaba,” Toring admitted. “Pero sabi naman ni coach Sherwin na maglaro lang talaga ako nang maayos.”
That familiarity proved crucial. Every set, every timeout, Meneses was there not just as a coach, but as a constant reminder of where Toring came from—and where she’s headed.
For Meneses, seeing one of his college standouts rise to the pro level under his wing is a full-circle moment.
“Siyempre, happy ako kasi yung continuation ng career niya, napunta sa’min,” said Meneses, a multi-time PVL champion and architect of Creamline’s Grand Slam run. “Hopefully, ma-develop pa namin yung mga ibang bagay na dapat pa naming gawin sa NU, yung sistema namin sa Creamline.”
“Thankful kami kay Sheena na nandito siya sa’min.”
