MANILA, Philippines —Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having steered the franchise to seven of its ten championship titles—but just like anyone, he revealed that he gets nervous too.
The Creamline Cool Smashers outlasted the PLDT High Speed Hitters in five gruesome sets, 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10, last Saturday in the semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
This is the 10th time that Creamline stepped into the semifinals of the All-Filipino Conference, and despite having that much experience, Meneses also expressed how the cardiac fourth frame was nerve-wracking.
“Maybe only robots don't get nervous. The nerves are always there; we know it’s a high-pressure game. But you fight through it, and you... enjoy it. Because, of course, the opportunity to be in that situation is a happy one,” Meneses recalled.
“Especially when you see your team refusing to give up. They're giving it their 100 percent. That’s all that matters to us—as a coach, when you see them giving their best. But it’s still nerve-wracking, especially when you’re constantly playing catch-up. You just try to smile through it."
The complete Creamline squad displayed a healthy lineup in the semifinals with core hitters Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, and Pangs Panaga all working together.
Meneses also utilized his playmakers of Jia De Guzman and Kyle Negrito in crucial moments to outsmart the Savi Davison-led High Speed Hitters.
Now heading to face the Cignal Super Spikers, who won over the Farm Fresh Foxies, Meneses wants nothing from his team but to stay healthy.
“"It’s a big help to us that we’ve already been through those tough situations. All the scenarios—the highs and the lows of the team—we’ve experienced them. But of course, the most important thing right now is for us to stay healthy,” he shared.
“We’re really thankful that we’ve stayed healthy for the most part... everyone is able to play. Unlike during the eliminations, where some were available and some weren't. That’s the most important thing; we’re happy because we’re healthy going into the semifinals."
