Michele Gumabao embraced the pressure of Creamline's five-set opening win, saying the grind was the perfect reminder of what it takes to defend their PVL Invitational crown.
After going 0-2 in five setters in the PVL on Tour, Michele Gumabao and the Creamline Cool Smashers made sure to turn things around in their 2025 Invitational opener.
Gumabao led the Cool Smashers with 22 points in their five-set escape of the Cignal HD Spikers, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-7, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, August 21.
The veteran spiker acknowledged that the hard-fought victory gave the team an early reminder of what it takes to defend a championship.
“I think 'yung best lesson na lang namin ngayon is 'yung five-set game na panalo namin kasi last [On Tour] 'yung parehong five-set games namin talo,” Gumabao shared during the post-game press conference.
“It’s good na maramdaman ulit namin 'yung pressure ng five-set game umpisa pa lang andoon 'yung pressure na hindi kami pwede mag-relax kahit naging maganda 'yung resulta ng past games namin kailangan pa namin magtiyaga dahil panibagong season 'to,” she added.
In the fifth set, Gumabao took control, scoring five points in the frame to lead Creamline to a 1-1 record due to results carrying over from the PVL on Tour semifinals.
[ALSO READ: Michele Gumabo, Alyssa Valdez beam with pride on Creamline's 18th straight PVL podium finish]
Still, the reigning Invitationals MVP admitted that the Cool Smashers still have adjustments to make, especially when it comes to dictating the tempo.
Nonetheless, Gumabao also emphasized that the team's target hasn’t changed.
“Ang laging goal naman namin is 'yung gold medal or the championship, so maabot man namin ‘yun o hindi, bibigay namin ‘yung best namin at paghihirapan sa practice,” said Gumabao.
Creamline will be back on Saturday, August 23, when they take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
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