Still reeling from a missed five-peat in the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals, the Creamline Cool Smashers aren’t taking a break. Instead, they’re turning their frustration into fuel as they open their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign this Sunday, April 20.

Under coach Sherwin Meneses, the Cool Smashers are determined to rewrite their season narrative with a strong showing on the continental stage. They begin their Pool A run against Jordanian powerhouse Al Naser at 4:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, with another tough matchup looming Monday night versus Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu VC.

“Kailangan maka-move on agad… bawi na lang siguro sa ibang conference, especially sa AVC. Laging competitive naman yung Creamline,” said Meneses, confident his battle-tested squad can bounce back quickly.

Reinforcements ready to reignite Creamline

Creamline’s AVC journey is bolstered by the return of 2024 Reinforced Conference MVP Erica Staunton, a key figure in their Grand Slam success last year. Alongside her are two towering additions from Kazakhstan: 6-foot middle blocker Anastassiya Kolomoyets and 6-foot-4 outside hitter Anastasya Kudryashova—both familiar with Zhetysu VC from their stint with VC Kuanysh.

“I’m excited to play with Creamline again… to get to play some more volleyball.” Staunton said, eager for another tour of duty with the Cool Smashers.

Core veterans still at the helm

While the reinforcements bring firepower, Creamline’s core continues to shine. Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, and Pangs Panaga lead the offensive charge, while Alyssa Valdez’s leadership remains the team’s emotional backbone. Michele Gumabao adds her big-game instincts, and the liberos—Kyla Atienza and Denden Lazaro-Revilla—shore up the defense.

In the middle, Creamline boasts depth with Bea De Leon, Panaga, Kolomoyets, and Lorie Bernardo rotating for net control and blocking presence.

Setter stability with Villarete and Negrito

One of Creamline’s quiet yet potentially game-changing moves is the addition of veteran setter Rhea Villarete. A former national team mainstay, Villarete brings court vision and stability to the playmaking department and forms a deadly tandem with three-time PVL Best Setter Kyle Negrito.

“Kailangan mo lang talaga daanan kung ano ‘yung mga kailangan mong gawin… opportunity pa rin ‘yan para may matutunan pa rin ako,” Villarete shared, embracing her new chapter with optimism and grit.

Packed opening day at Philsports Arena

Creamline’s opener is part of a busy Sunday slate at the Philsports Arena:

• 10 a.m. – Taipower vs Hiphing (Pool B)

• 1 p.m. – Baic Motor vs Iran (Pool C)

• 4 p.m. – Creamline vs Al Naser (Pool A)

• 7 p.m. – Queensland vs PLDT (Pool D)

With a roster blending veteran leadership, rising stars, and international firepower, Creamline is out to prove they’re not just PVL contenders—but champions on the Asian stage.