Creamline reinforcement Courtney Schwan soaked in the deafening atmosphere of her first Rebisco Clasico as she powered the Cool Smashers to a sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL.
Courtney Schwan has played in big arenas and high-stakes matches around the world, but nothing prepared her for her first taste of the Rebisco Clasico.
The American import starred with 15 points as Creamline powered past Choco Mucho, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23, on Thursday, November 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
More than the win, Schwan said the rivalry match delivered an atmosphere unlike anything she had ever been part of.
“It was awesome, the energy was super cool. There were so many people here,” she told reporters after the match. “Match point ended up being a long rally, and I couldn’t hear anything.”
“I couldn’t hear people on my side, I couldn’t hear people on that side. I just heard screaming. All I could think was: this is such a cool situation to be in.”
Nothing like playing in the Philippines
The 29-year-old spiker has played around the globe, including the US, France, Italy, and even Greece.
But when asked how volleyball in the Philippines compares to the rest of her stops overseas, Schwan didn’t mince words about her joy playing in the country.
“I can’t even compare it because it’s incredible here,” she said. “I haven’t experienced anything like this, and they have been absolutely phenomenal.”
Finding their form
Creamline’s victory marked its third straight win as the team continues to steady its form in the second round.
Courtney Schwan spikes the ball during Creamline's victory over Choco Mucho. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
But even with their playoff streak extended, Schwan said they are far from satisfied.
“The energy’s great,” she said. “It was part of our job to get here, so I don’t want to say it was expected, we worked hard for it, but we’re still working towards a bigger goal, so our job’s not done here.”
The defending champions next face the Cignal Super Spikers on Tuesday, November 18, at the Ynares Center Montalban.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.