Dimaculangan receives Creamline call-up

Veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan has been tapped as one of three reinforcements for Creamline in the upcoming 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, set from 20 to 27 April at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The 34-year-old Dimaculangan, a former Philippine Super Liga Most Valuable Player and three-time Best Setter, was spotted in the Cool Smashers training gear in an Instagram story posted by team stalwart Michele Gumabao on Sunday, fueling excited about her unexpected comeback.

Dimaculangan last played for PLDT, where she served as the team’s chief playmaker for three seasons before stepping away ahead of the 2024–2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference to focus on her personal life following her recent marriage.

Since then, she has taken up coaching, serving as deputy mentor for the University of the East men’s volleyball team in University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87.

Now, Dimaculangan finds herself returning to the hardwood, bringing her wealth of experience to the 10-time PVL champions as they represent the country in the continental tilt. She is the second reinforcement to join, following returning American import Erica Staunton, while the third has yet to be announced.

Dimaculangan’s arrival also reunites her with familiar faces. Among them are Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez, who once shared the court with her not only in multiple national team stints — including the 30th Southeast Asian Games held at the same venue — but also back in high school, when Dimaculangan was Valdez’s first setter at University of Santo Tomas.

She also reconnects with former Petron teammates Bernadeth Pons and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, further solidifying Creamline’s already deep roster for the AVC campaign.