Since August 13, 2024, the Creamline Cool Smashers have been nothing short of unstoppable.
That date marked the last time the defending Premier Volleyball League champions tasted defeat, a five-set thriller against the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2024 Reinforced Conference. It was a stinging loss, one that momentarily disrupted their momentum but ultimately fueled their resurgence.
Since that night, Creamline has been on a relentless mission, clinching back-to-back championships in the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences while stacking up win after win. Now, as they march through the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference, they’ve extended their unbeaten streak to 19 consecutive victories, sweeping their first nine matches in dominant fashion.
But securing win No. 20 will be no easy feat.
Standing in their way is PLDT, a squad hungry to make a statement when they clash on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
While the Cool Smashers are well aware of their historic streak, head coach Sherwin Meneses insists that their primary focus remains on consistency and preparation rather than the numbers.
“Yung preparation for PLDT, talagang dodoblehin namin. Pero number one, kailangan makapagpahinga kami nang maganda kasi medyo late ngayon,” said Meneses, fresh off Creamline’s straight-set victory over Farm Fresh on Tuesday night.
“Titingnan muna ulit namin kung ano yung ibibigay ng scouting report, kung sinong babantayan. Pero knowing PLDT, contender din talaga sila ngayon, siyempre nandiyan sila Davison,” he added. “Ready kami for PLDT. Yung winning streak saka na muna namin isipin. One game at a time lang muna kami.”
PLDT enters the matchup as a legitimate contender, boasting a balanced attack led by high-flying outside hitter Savi Davison, whose offensive firepower has kept the High Speed Hitters in the upper echelon of the standings. Alongside her, Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, and Kiesha Bedonia add layers of depth to PLDT’s attack, while their middle-blocking unit—anchored by Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, and Dell Palomata—serves as a defensive wall against any opposing offense.
For Creamline, however, these high-pressure moments are nothing new.
Jema Galanza, who fired 15 points in their recent win over Farm Fresh, acknowledges that expectations are always sky-high for the reigning champions. Yet, she believes the team’s work ethic and composure will help them push through.
“Every conference naman po may pressure. Lagi lang kaming gising ng maaga, punta ng court, training lang. Sila coach naman, tinatrabaho namin kung sinong magiging kalaban namin. Wala naman kami na parang ‘oh wala pa tayong talo’ kaya dapat mas maganda yung nilalaro namin,” Galanza shared.
“Gusto lang talaga ni coach na makuha namin yung laro ng bawat isa na sabay-sabay kami kapag may importanteng game na.”
For nearly seven months, Creamline has remained untouchable, proving time and again why they are the standard in Philippine volleyball. But as they chase their 20th straight win, PLDT is prepared to challenge their reign.
With championship-caliber talent on both ends, Saturday’s clash promises to be a test of resilience, skill, and willpower.
Will Creamline continue their reign of dominance, or will PLDT finally put an end to their remarkable streak?
