Denden Lazaro and Bea De Leon at the sidelines watching Creamline Cool Smashers’ first game in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla sat out Creamline’s opener in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, but there’s no need to wait long for their Cool Smashers debut.
“Expect them to play on Thursday. I am announcing it today. They will be playing,” said coach Sherwin Meneses after his Creamline staved off a gritty Farm Fresh, 34-36, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 on Saturday.
De Leon and Revilla, who transferred from Choco Mucho to Creamline last January, are still bolstering their conditioning, Meneses said.
“Actually, we wanted to play them but they haven’t met our standards of fitness,” he said. “They are still undergoing therapy and they haven’t trained at full capacity. We have three days to prepare until Thursday.”
The Cool Smashers shoot for win No.2 against the Akari Chargers at Philsports Arena on Thursday.
Despite not seeing action, De Leon and Revilla along with the other reserves got a special mention from team star Tots Carlos, who topscored with 19 points.
“Although they didn’t play today, I think they’re still part of the game because we practice with them so our second six are also involved. We really train together every day very hard,” said Carlos.
“We always respect the rotation of coach Sherwin. What I can assure is everyone is treated very well and equally in the team. I’m really happy that they are part of our team, adding more healthy competition and support.”
Creamline also banked on Jema Galanza, who had 15 points, 13 receptions, and six digs, as well as Alyssa Valdez, who scored nine points in the first two sets. Jeanette Panaga delivered 12 points highlighted by five kill blocks, as liberos Ella De Jesus and Kyla Atienza protected the floor.
“I’m happy because our coaches always want us to embrace each role. We’re really happy that we have strong support in each position so we can play our best. Everyone deserves to play,” said Carlos.
The Cool Smashers won 16 straight games including their 15-game sweep of the third conference last year but Carlos and Meneses know they have to forget those wins and focus on the present.
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“We’re no longer 15-0. Now we’re 1-0. We have to work hard again to defend our title and it won’t be easy because all teams have become stronger.”