Creamline reinforcement Erica Staunton. Photo from PVL Media BureauMANILA – At 23 years old, Erica Staunton has proven that she is a leader.
The Creamline reinforcement towed the Premier Volleyball League's winningest club to its first Reinforced Conference finals appearance in five years after expelling the Cignal HD Spikers in comeback fashion, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Staunton-backed Cool Smashers are advancing to the Finals despite missing the services of their key players in Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez. They will be up against the Akari Chargers in a one-match championship showdown.
Staunton has provided the team a huge boost in both offense and defense all-tourney long.
Rightfully so, she was praised by her own teammate, opposite spiker Michele Gumabao, after the match.
READ: PVL: Creamline completes reverse sweep of Cignal for Finals berth
For Gumabao, Staunton's never say die attitude and belief in the whole of Creamline, including the locals, are what makes her a perfect fit for the Cool Smashers -- a sentiment shared by coach Sherwin Meneses.
"Coach Sherwin always says that Erica's really a team player and that she fits our system well because she does her best to contribute, and she is also happy when she plays and she has that good vibes that we always need to be part of the Creamline Cool Smashers," Gumabao said.
"She never gives up, She's always there to help the team, and that's what Creamline is all about, it's really the collective or the whole team talaga," Gumabao added.
READ: Akari overcomes PLDT in 5-set thriller to capture PVL Finals ticket
Gumabao believes that the young outside hitter can do it all, but chooses not to because she trusts the local squad.
"We're just happy that even as an import, she has that mentality because I think we're so used to like being imports that they want to do everything, and even though they can, I know she can, but she also trusts us as locals to also help her do her job," she said.
"She is a leader no matter how young she is and she really does her best to also help us learn from her."
Staunton fired 38 points in the five-set playoff victory, while Gumabao added 10 markers.
Bernadeth Pons, not to be overshadowed, added a triple-double of 28 points, 24 excellent receptions, and 17 excellent digs.
As expected, Staunton deflected credit and gave it to the whole team after the triumph.
"I think I've grown a lot as a player and just with this team. I'd say, I think we found our groove after that first game. And we were just able to figure out how to work together. And I think what makes Creamline special is, you know, we're not focused on one person. We're not just one person, offensive heavy," she said.
Creamline will have a chance to secure a championship trophy again on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Their last Reinforced title was in 2018.
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