Height is might for Cool Smashers

Creamline used only two picks in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft before calling it a day.

But it was a well thought of and calculated move for the Cool Smashers as they look to beef up their roster ahead of their Reinforced Conference title defense starting October.

The 2024 grand slam champion went for added ceiling and versatility after tapping middle blockers Sheena Toring of National University and Nica Celis of University of the Philippines.

Toring was selected 12th overall while Celis was the 24th pick overall of the Cool Smashers in the formal Draft proceedings held Sunday at the Novotel Manila.

Head coach Sherwin Meneses explained that the selection was made to allow Creamline’s starting front liners, including Bea de Leon and Jeanette Panaga, more time to rest and recover before the pre-season PVL on Tour starts next month.

“Of course, it’s important for us to have more middles available for the PVL On Tour. Our main middles still need time to rest and most have yet to return to training,” Meneses said.

“It’s better to have more personnel than lacking pieces. I think those middles deserve to be in Creamline.”

Meneses will have a familiar face at the net with his reunion with National University product Toring. The 5-foot-8 Lady Bulldog was vital in NU’s repeat University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) title in Meneses’ debut season.

“We’re lucky Sheena was still available in our turn. We’ll continue what we’ve started in NU,” Meneses said.

“She’ll be a big help to our team especially her leadership and experience. In terms of skills, she’s playing on a high level,” Meneses added about the 24-year-old recruit.

Celis, on the other hand, will play a big role in Meneses’ strategic rotation.

Standing at 5-foot-9 with good laterals and light on her feet, the former Fighting Maroons skipper could slide at the wing if necessary.

“Celis is very athletic. I think it’s important for a Creamline player to be athletic. And at the same time, versatile and capable of playing different positions,” Meneses said.

Putting Celis at the opposite spot could be a good defensive move as it will give Creamline a tall wing defender. At her natural middle blocker spot, Celis’ quickness and precision attacks will blend well with setter Kyle Negrito’s quick sets.

“We can use her in a different position if needed. She’s really athletic and a good fit for Creamline,” the tactician added.

Creamline, which only selected one draftee last year in Filipino-American libero Aleiah Torres, will try to win a second straight import-laden crown after copping last year’s edition at the expense of Akari.