Creamline ready to battle in Grand Prix

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said yesterday it won’t be a cakewalk facing Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia at the ASEAN Grand Prix in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on Sept. 9-11 but coming from a best-ever sixth place finish at the recent AVC Cup, spirits are high to give a good fight.

“Top teams ng SEA Games ang kalaban,” said Meneses. “We’re preparing na maka-pwesto ng maayos. We’ll do our best to apply one group team system at sana maganda ang kalalabasan. We’ll play hard and pray na walang injury. Expect good games.” Meneses said national coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito’s presence to support Creamline and scout opponents for the next SEA Games is critical. “Before AVC, nakapag-coordinate na kami ni coach Jorge,” he continued. “Focus kasi namin local at hawak ni coach Jorge international. Tulung-tulong lang sa isa’t isa.”

Meneses said competing for the country as Creamline required a shift in mindset. “Katatapos lang ng PVL at laban kaagad sa AVC,” he said. “Napaka-high-ranking mga kalaban. Basta, sabi namin, we’ll perform well and do our best. Fresh from being PVL champion, lahat ng sistema madaling gawin at ituloy, iba lang kalaban. Lucky kami to win three games.”

Meneses said familiarity and chemistry are key to building a cohesive national team. “When we get the best of the best players, chemistry will follow sa training,” he said. “Sa pagsimula ng national program, support kami ng Creamline sa PNVF kung sino man piliin na players ni coach Jorge.” Meneses said coaching men and women is different although it’s still the same sport. “Power to power sa men at sa women, iba emotion,” he said. “May mga adjustments pero volleyball pa rin.” Meneses is in the national men’s coaching staff and with Creamline, was thrust into leading the Cool Smashers to represent the country at the AVC Cup and ASEAN Grand Prix.

Creamline leaves for Thailand today and will play the host nation on Friday, Vietnam on Saturday and Indonesia on Sunday. The team and coaching staff received track suits and backpacks for the trip from Asics through PNVF, distributed by PlayItRightTV, the other day.