American import Erica Staunton appears to be integrating smoothly with Creamline ahead of the highly anticipated Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference next week.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez revealed that Staunton, a 23-year-old winger, perfectly complements the Cool Smashers in terms of personality and skill set, which have been instrumental in her seamless transition with the defending All-Filipino Conference champions.

“Erika really complements our team in terms of character, attitude, and playing style. For me, kitang-kita ko na fit talaga siya sa sistema rin namin,” said Valdez following the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel last Monday.

The former league MVP expressed her excitement about teaming up with the 23-year-old spiker, believing that Staunton will significantly contribute to the team’s quest to reclaim the Reinforced Conference title, last won in 2018.

“Excited kami na mapakita niya rin at makatulong siya sa team. Napakagaan kasama ni Erika on and off the court,” Valdez added.

(C) University of Georgia

Staunton spent her first four years in college as a member of the Northeastern University Huskies, where she earned a spot in the prestigious 1,000 Kill Club.

Following that, the two-time All-CAA member pursued her master’s degree at the University of Georgia and completed her collegiate career with the Bulldogs.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses noted that the 6-foot-1 Staunton has been blending well with the rest of the team during their preparations for the import-laden conference.

“So far, yung adjustment, gumaganda na. Siyempre yung time na binigay sa amin na makasama namin yung import namin, nakuha na namin. Maghihintay na lang kami sa mga results ng game,” said Meneses.

Staunton’s arrival comes at a crucial moment for the Cool Smashers, as they will be without the services of Jema Galanza in the tournament due to her commitments with Alas Pilipinas.