In their 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference opener, the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their dominance with a commanding performance against Est Cola, securing a straight-set victory 25-13, 25-12, 25-15.
The match, held on Friday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex, underscored Creamline's strength but also highlighted the potential of their young Thai opponents.
Est Cola, composed of players from Thailand’s under-18 and under-20 national teams, struggled against the Cool Smashers' seasoned lineup. Despite the loss, Sherwin Meneses, Creamline's revered coach, remains optimistic about the future of the Thai squad.
"Syempre knowing Thailand talagang yung bola nila napakalakas napapailag nga ako eh," Meneses remarked, acknowledging the formidable nature of Thai volleyball.
Est Cola, though outmatched, showed resilience and promise. The team utilized all but one of their 14-player roster, with nine out of the 11 position players contributing to the score. Warisara Seetaloed led the charge with seven points, continuing her impressive form from their previous four-set loss to Kurashiki, where she scored 14 points. Alongside Seetaloed, Kwannaphat Nuawan and Natthawan Phatthaison provided consistent support across both matches.
Meneses is confident that with time and consistent play—qualities that have historically benefited Thai teams—Est Cola will evolve into a formidable force.
"I think mga ilang taon pa magpapakita na talaga nang maganda ‘yang under-20 nila. Mga three years from now lalaban na talaga yan," he predicted, drawing from his extensive experience as a six-time PVL champion coach.
Looking ahead, Meneses hopes to face the improved Thai squad in future competitions.
"Sana makalaban namin ulit sila kasi syempre mas maganda kung may mga naiinvite na overseas para gumaganda talaga yung labanan dito sa Pilipinas," he added.
