Creamline’s Michele Gumabao during the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Michele Gumabao stressed Creamline is ready to step up when it matters most despite the Cool Smashers missing three-time MVPs Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos at the start the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Gumabao dropped 21 points to support Erica Staunton’s 26-point explosion and lead Creamline to a bounce back 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16 win over Farm Fresh and enter the win column in Pool A on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
The veteran opposite spiker stepped up for the Cool Smashers as they missed Carlos and Valdez due to undisclosed injuries with coach Sherwin Meneses not rushing the on-court return of the hard-hitting pair.
READ: PVL: Creamline not rushing return of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos
Creamline is also missing All-Filipino Finals MVP Jema Galanza and eight-time Best Setter Jia De Guzman due to their Alas Pilipinas commitments.
“Nagsa-start kami sa practice. Pare-pareho naman kami ng role and lagi din naman nire-remind samin ni coach na leader din kami lahat on and off the court so whether you’re playing or not, you always have a big contribution to the team,” said Gumabao. “Kapag nakakuha ng set, kailangan paluin, so just really doing my job inside and really trying to contribute in any area that I can.”
Michele Gumabao and Erica Staunton on stepping up for Creamline. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Kb6zZSjW97
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 20, 2024
Gumabao credited their much-needed win to all the players, who stepped up as Bernadeth Pons had another all-around game of nine points, 12 digs, and 19 excellent receptions. Pangs Panaga chipped in 12 points including two blocks, while setter Kyle Negrito had 20 excellent sets on top of four points.
“Creamline naman isn’t just one player, so it’s really the whole team. We’re really one big family and pare-pareho naman kami ginagawa everyday. We all have the same program, we all have the same training, our coaches treat us all the same, so whenever we step into the court, we all have to perform in the same way also,” said the veteran 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 inaantay namin bumalik.”
READ: PVL: Creamline turns back Farm Fresh to recover from opening loss
The former La Salle star also put a premium on their end-game composure, which they lacked when they fell short to PLDT in five sets last Tuesday, and their connection, especially with first-time overseas player Staunton from the United stats.
“That gel, that chemistry, that alam na namin ‘yung galaw ng isa’t isa, I think that’s what we’re really looking and building on right now. Slowly and surely naman nakukuha namin in practice and masaya din kami na nakikita namin nag-iimprove talaga sa game,” said Gumabao.
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“No way but up for us and each and every game, we just want to perform better, especially with Erica, she’s very young. Being here in the Philippines na na-expose siya sa malaking venue, such a big crowd, so it’s also fun na she also has a lot of input for us and big contribution talaga siya sa amin.”
With Valdez and Carlos’ on-court return still uncertain, Gumabao and the rest of the Cool Smashers vow to continue helping each other to fill in the big void as they take on the Nxled Chameleons on Thursday before wrapping up their first round against Chery Tiggo and Galeries Tower.