Has pressure gotten into the defending champions?
Yes, at least according to skipper Alyssa Valdez, who is experiencing "mixed emotions" as the PVL All-Filipino Conference looms.
"Alam niyo, mixed emotions talaga. We're pressured, definitely kasi it's the third straight time na All-Filipino, so siyempre we wanna have different motivations, inspirations naman to fight and defend this title as well," Valdez said on PVL Media Day in Mandaluyong City.
Creamline swept the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference, while they lost only once on its first iteration last year.
They still got the title in the First All-Filipino and were top-seed in the eliminations with a 7-1 slate.
"But we're just very excited also to be gaining two or three more players with Dij Rodriguez as well, na sana mas makatulong sa campaign namin this conference," she added.
In a separate interview, coach Sherwin Meneses also revealed that beach volleyball star Dij Rodriguez has joined the Creamline roster.
Citing massive experience, Meneses said Rodriguez will give the team a huge boost.
"Galing siya sa beach volleyball, so malaking addition din sa 'min kasi veteran na rin," Meneses said. "Mataas ang nilalaro sa beach volley, nakapaglaro na rin siya sa international, so hopefully ma-adapt niya 'yung indoor na volleyball sa PVL."
The Cool Smashers have not experienced a defeat since the last volleyball tilt after garnering a 15-0 pure record from the eliminations until the playoffs.
Despite that, Creamline still made some momentous moves in the off-season to keep the title in their hands and acquired the services of Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, who both played for 2023 Second All-Filipino finalists Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Meanwhile, Valdez said she's satisfied with the training they have been through before the All-Filipino tourney starts.
"I'm just very, very happy sa tine-training ng buong team. And we're just really hoping na maging healthy talaga lahat for us to reach our goals this conference," said the Creamline captain.
The season-opening conference will kick off next week, February 20.
