Sherwin Meneses urged Creamline to accept its quarterfinal loss to Petro Gazz and regroup, as the franchise faces its first-ever PVL semifinals absence after a 19-conference podium streak.
Creamline’s era-defining streak has finally met its end in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
The Cool Smashers saw their 19-conference podium streak snapped after their quarterfinal loss to the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, marking the franchise’s first time missing the Top 3 since joining the league.
Speaking to reporters after the defeat, head coach Sherwin Meneses said that the painful outcome can only be processed one way.
“Ayun nga, yung sabi ko nga sa team, we must accept kung ano yung nangyari,”said Meneses. “Yun yung pinakabest way na masasabi ko lang as a coach. Marami pa namang liga so it’s better na i-accept agad namin kasi wala namang gustong matalo.”
‘Record are meant to be broken’
Creamline’s consistency in reaching 19 straight podium finishes will likely be considered as one of the PVL’s most unbreakable runs.
[ALSO READ: Creamline secures 19th straight podium finish in PVL but far from done, says Michele Gumabao]
That dominance came to a halt Monday afternoon, and Meneses didn’t shy away from giving Petro Gazz full credit.
“Lahat naman ng record nabe-break eh, so siguro time na ngayon,” he admitted.
“Pinaka-importante is acceptance ng pagkatalo. Deserve talaga ng Petro Gazz. Sobra yung nilaro nila, lalo na nung nawala silang import — talagang champion-caliber.”
What’s next for Creamline?
With their historic semis streak gone, the Cool Smashers now face unfamiliar territory.
Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers were emotional after their PVL Reinforced quarterfinal exit. | Photo: PVL
For now, Meneses emphasized that how the team responds emotionally will determine their next steps as they recover from a tough 2025 season.
“Reality is hindi namin alam kasi ito yung first time ma-experience ng Creamline na hindi makapasok sa semifinals,” he admitted. “Depende sa attitude at tibay ng players kung paano tatanggapin. Pero marami pa namang time para makabawi.”
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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.