Cool Smashers’ depth gets tested

MANILA, Philippines — Will the Creamline Cool Smashers remain the team to beat in the PVL on Tour despite missing key players to national team duties?

The answer starts to unfold Wednesday when the league’s most decorated franchise opens its campaign against Nxled at the PVL’s out-of-town stop in Ilagan City.

Creamline, owner of 11 PVL championships, will be without star outside hitter Bernadeth Pons. She has been given clearance to skip the PVL on Tour to focus on preparations for the Asian Games in Aichi, Japan this September, where she will team up with Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina in beach volleyball. The pair won SEA Games gold in Thailand last December.

More absences could follow if Creamline grants the Philippine Olympic Committee’s request to release members of the Alas Pilipinas women’s pool for Aichi.

Three Cool Smashers are in the Alas pool: middle blocker Pangs Panaga, libero Jen Nierva, and setter Jia de Guzman. Creamline has a history of loaning players to the national team, raising expectations it will approve the request.

Still, the Cool Smashers have proven depth. Led by captain Alyssa Valdez, the core of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, Kyla Atienza, Michele Gumabao, and Bea de Leon has delivered titles even with stars away.

Creamline also reinforced its lineup with rookie Barbie Jamili and free-agent signings Erin Pangilinan, Ish Lalongisip, and Donnalyn Paralejas to help plug any gaps this conference.