Newcomers get chance to prove worth as Cool Smashers lead On Tour cast
Being forced to hand over the previous PVL All-Filipino Conference crown did not diminish everything that Creamline has accomplished, but it did put some pressure on the 10-time champions this season.
“I think we have a different pressure right now,” Alyssa Valdez said. “Coming into this (PVL On Tour), we actually fell short [in] the last conference.”
“The motivation of every one is very different. The pressure we feel right now is really different. But, in the end, I think we have to stick by our mantra to just give the best in every game. And of course, always have good vibes,” Valdez added.
After completing the first-ever league Grand Slam last year, the Cool Smashers’ dynastic reign was halted by Petro Gazz last April.
And Creamline is looking at this preseason showcase as a chance to recalibrate, especially with new faces now in their roster to backstop the veterans, before the real thing kicks off later in the year.
The Cool Smashers star in the night cap of the first day of the On Tour in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur province, against Capital1 Solar Spikers. And coach Sherwin Meneses will be looking at what his young guns are made of.
The Grand Slam winners loaded up on middle blockers after drafting former National University Lady Bulldog Sheena Toring and Nica Celis from the University of the Philippines.
“Coming from good universities in terms of their programs in sports, I am happy to see that these two girls are very willing to listen and to learn,” Valdez said. “It’s one of the best qualities you want if you’re coming into a team setup. So, that’s one of the things I see in them.”
“These two kids are very nice. With Sheena, you wouldn’t know she comes from a winning team in the UAAP. She’s a really hard worker. And on the other side, Nica is always ready for all the feedback that we’re trying to tell her. The future is bright for these two and hopefully, they can contribute a lot to the team,” the multititled hitter said.
It could also be the game that confirms whether Mich Gamit, formerly of ZUS Coffee, has jump-shipped to the Cool Smashers.
This also marks Jorge Edson Souza de Brito’s return to the pro ranks, now with the Solar Spikers. But the star power may take a bit of a hit with this year’s top rookie Bella Belen expected to be out due to national team duties.
But Capital1 has also been busy in the free agent market, signing Jerrili Malabanan, KC Galdones and Rachel Austero to backstop Trisha Genesis, Iris Tolenada and Roma Mae Doromal.
Meanwhile, Akari, which now has new faces on the sidelines with Tina Salak as the new head tactician, assisted by Far Eastern U men’s coach Eddieson Orcullo, opens the preseason tilt against Cignal.
The HD Spikers added to its lineup Erika Santos and Tine Tiamzon, along with prized rookie Erin Pangilinan.
