Toring repays Cool Smashers’ faith

Sheena Toring is repaying Creamline’s trust with the kind of performance expected from a first-round draft pick.

The rookie middle blocker made an immediate impact for the Cool Smashers as she took over the big shoes left by injured star Bea de Leon with back-to-back stellar games to open the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tour over the weekend in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Thrust into the starting six right on her debut, the 12th overall pick in the PVL Draft did not disappoint after averaging 7.5 points per game in Creamline’s convincing victories over Capital1 and Akari at the jampacked Chavit Coliseum.

The National University product earned her keep with a solid outing at the net. She provided superb defensive support and also contributed on offense as the Cool Smashers took a share of the top spot in Pool B alongside Cignal.

“The expectations are high, so I really have to improve my game every day,” the 5-foot-10 frontliner said.

Expectations come naturally on a team laden with stars and accomplished players, including Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Jia de Guzman, Kyle Negrito and Michele Gumabao.

But Toring seamlessly adapted to Creamline’s system and barely showed signs of rookie jitters in her first official game as a pro.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion showcased her winning pedigree with a five-point performance in the Cool Smashers’ 25-10, 25-21, 25-10, dismantling of the Solar Spikers last Sunday.

Toring only played in the first two sets before calling it a day in Creamline’s 90-minute clinic.

“Of course, it’s nerve-wracking being in the first six on my first game,” she admitted.

“But coach Sherwin (Meneses) told me just to play my game and play the right way.”

Already warmed up in the level of play in the PVL, Toring dropped 10 points as Creamline repulsed the Chargers, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, last Monday to wrap a two-day opening salvo.

Meneses was just elated that the Cool Smashers got the services of his college player.

“Of course, I’m happy that the continuation of career is with us,” Meneses said of his ward, who helped him bag his first University Athletic Association of the Philippines title as head coach last season.

“Hopefully, we’ll develop the other things we wanted to develop back in NU, and she’ll blend well with Creamline’s system. We’re thankful Sheena’s with us.”

Toring and the Cool Smashers face a tough challenge in a clash with Cignal on 1 July.