Michele Gumabao and the Creamline Cool Smashers are raring to keep things going after securing another bronze medal in the 2025 PVL Invitational.
Satisfied is not in Creamline’s vocabulary, even as the PVL powerhouse extended its streak of podium finishes to 19 after a dominant sweep over Chery Tiggo in the battle for bronze in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Sunday, Aug. 31.
As the Cool Smashers were subjected to scrutiny after missing out on the finals for the second straight time, Michele Gumabao admitted the squad's shortcomings this season.
“Kahit naman kami sa sarili namin, alam naman naming kulang. Ang dami naming games this season na alam naming kaya namin, na napapakawalan namin,” Gumabao admitted after firing 17 points in Creamline’s 25-15, 25-13, 25-22 sweep over the Crossovers.
“Ang dami nang moments na dapat alam naming matured kami pero kami pa 'yong magkakamali. So, kulang pa talaga.”
[RELATED STORY: Creamline gets back at Chery Tiggo, cops bronze for 19th straight podium finish in PVL]
During the Invitational, Creamline suffered uncharacteristic losses — including back-to-back setbacks at the hands of Chery Tiggo and Kobe Shinwa University.
Gumabao believes that there is much more within their control that they can work on to hopefully keep themselves going at the pace they need to continue their dominance in the league.
Despite many of the Cool Smashers' core getting older, the 32-year-old refused to bow to Father Time.
“It doesn’t mean na nakapag-champion kami dati, or grand slam dati, 'yon na 'yon. Ang dami pa talagang puwedeng gawin ng Creamline. Ang dami pa naming tao sa bench na hindi ninyo pa talaga nakikita. Nandiyan si Lorie (Bernardo), si Ate Rhea (Villarete), so, ang dami pa," Gumabao said.
“Parang feeling ko nga, batang team kami ngayon,” she added.
Michele Gumabao (right) goes for the kill. | Photo: PVL
True enough, Creamline did flaunt its depth in the bronze medal match.
Apart from Gumabao, the likes of Jema Galanza (12 points), Alyssa Valdez (nine points) and Pangs Panaga (seven points) delivered to lead the team to victory.
As they look forward to the next conference later this year, Gumabao and the rest of the Cool Smashers are eager to present themselves as a new and stronger threat.
When the going gets tough, Creamline gets going.
“[We have] lots to work hard [for] and look forward to kasi alam naman naming mas gumagaling din naman 'yong ibang teams. Kami rin, kaya naming mag-improve pa sa nakita ng lahat before,” Gumabao said.