Michele Gumabao led the local charge for Creamline as the Cool Smashers rebound with a four-set win over Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday, July 20.

Michele Gumabao steps up for the Creamline Cool Smashers in their second match against the Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

Creamline is facing a significant challenge with the absence of several of its star players during the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Playing without Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza, the Cool Smashers had to dig deep to tame Farm Fresh, 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday, July 20.

Despite being undermanned, Creamline displayed resilience against the Foxies, with veteran outside hitter Michele Gumabao stepping up for the local crew.

Gumabao logged a second-best 21 points on 19 attacks, one block and an ace behind American import Erica Staunton’s 26 markers.

The former La Salle star is no stranger to taking on a bigger role for the Cool Smashers whenever one of their stars is sidelined by injury.

For Gumabao and the rest of the Creamline squad, the secret to staying ready lies in consistent practice and a unified team approach.

“Nagsta-start kami sa practice. Pare-pareho naman kami ng role and lagi rin naming ni-re-remind sa’min ni coach na leader din kaming lahat on and off the court. So whether you’re playing or not, you always have a big contribution to the team,” Gumabao said during the post-game press conference.

“‘Pag nakakuha ng set, kailangang paluin. So I’m just really doing my job inside and really trying to contribute in any area that I can,” she added.

Gumabao also pointed out the Cool Smashers’ collective strength, emphasizing that the team is not built on one player.

“We’re really one big family and pare-pareho naman kami ng ginagawa every day. We all have the same program; we all have the same training. Our coaches treat us all the same. So whenever we step on the court, we all have to perform in the same way also,” said Gumabao.

“Kahit naman sa mga coaches namin, hindi nila hinahanap ‘yung mga wala. So kailangan sa sarili namin, once we’re inside, we have to really take this opportunity, especially kami na hindi rin part ng first six before. So we really need to step up para sa hinihintay naming bumalik.”

As the the import-laden conference progresses, Creamline will look to continue building its chemistry with Staunton in the hopes of bringing home the title.

The Cool Smashers next take on Nxled on Thursday, July 25, at 3:00 p.m, at the same venue.