Creamline Cool Smashers’ MIchele Gumabao. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–With Creamline lacking one among its stars, Michele Gumabao stepped up for the Cool Smashers complete convention lengthy and emerged because the Best Opposite Spiker of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Gumabao, who additionally emerged as the highest spiker of the elimination spherical, scored 18 factors within the Creamline’s 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 title-clinching victory over Petro Gazz on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena. She averaged 19.0 factors of their three-game Finals collection.
Creamline went by way of the wringer within the Finals, dropping Game 1 and needing 5 gruelling units in Game 2 to power a decider in opposition to the hard-fighting Angels, who gave the Cool Smashers all they may deal with.
“We were really challenged this finals. Coach Sherwin knows that Petro Gazz brought out a lot of surprises,” admitted Gumabao. “But everyone displayed composure and teamwork. Coach just reminded us to help each other and we have to work as one. At least, we forced a third game and we won it.”
Gumabao’s constant numbers from the eliminations as much as the finals have been a giant enhance for Creamline, which performed with out injured three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez.
“We’re super happy because all of our hard work for the past few months resulted in a championship and of course, all the individual awards. But the best thing about it is the championship. We worked hard for it and we really prayed for it,” Gumabao mentioned.
Alyssa Valdez on the bench for Creamline Cool Smashers. –PVL PHOTO
Gumabao mentioned they by no means felt the absence of Valdez the court docket since she was all the time there to encourage and cheer for them from the bench or throughout follow.
“Of course, she’s part of our team’s motivation, because she is in practice every day even if she can’t play. She is always there to support us when we need a wake-up call,” mentioned Gumabao of Valdez.
“We didn’t want her to be stressed on our game anymore because she has to focus on her recovery, and she has to focus also on getting back to her 100%. We dedicate this to a lot of people but Ate Ly was a huge inspiration to us.”
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