In the buildup to the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference, Creamline faced skepticism.
The absence of the eight-time PVL Best Setter, Jia De Guzman, who ventured to Japan, and the departure of the 2022 Invitational Conference Finals MVP middle blocker, Ced Domingo, to Thailand, fueled uncertainties within the team.
However, those doubts were unequivocally dispelled by December 5.
Creamline emerged from the elimination round unscathed, boasting an impeccable 11-0 record. Their journey to the best-of-three semifinals pitted them against Chery Tiggo, where, against all odds, they completed a flawless sweep.
This triumph marked Creamline's sixth consecutive appearance in the AFC finals, a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of significant player departures.
"We’ve been through a lot without Ate Jia and Celine – key players," expressed Tots Carlos after a decisive straight-sets victory against Chery Tiggo. The win not only secured Creamline's 13th straight podium finish but also highlighted the commendable contributions of bench players like Kyle Negrito, stepping up to fill the void left by De Guzman.
Carlos, a three-time PVL MVP, credited Creamline's success to the unwavering team mindset and the system implemented by Coach Sherwin, emphasizing the importance of mastering the coach's strategic approach.
"Honestly, the team's mindset is different, and Coach Sherwin's system aligns well with all of us. He repeatedly emphasizes that the system is what we use. It's true because we just master Coach Sherwin's system," said Carlos.
Despite an unbeaten record and statistical prowess, particularly from Negrito, who emerged as the second-best setter after the elimination round, Carlos remained grounded. She acknowledged that records hold no significance as they brace themselves for another best-of-three series in the Finals.
"We're just happy because we're in the finals, but that's not the end. One game at a time, one point at a time, we go back to training tomorrow," emphasized Carlos.
As Creamline eagerly awaits the winner between Choco Mucho and Cignal, the team remains committed to the principle of starting afresh, recognizing that every point in the Finals demands unwavering effort.
"All equal, back to zero, so every point, we have to work hard for it. Of course, starting from training, from the mindset," Carlos added, underscoring the team's resilience and dedication to their craft.
