MANILA, Philippines -- MICHELE Gumabao displayed a high-caliber performance and stepped up for the undermanned Creamline Cool Smashers.

After Creamline's opening day blues against the PLDT High Speed Hitters, Gumabao intensified her game after chipping in 21 markers to help her squad to prevail over the gritty Farm Fresh Foxies.

For the 5-foot-8 opposite spiker, there is a strong desire to bounce back from their previous match, and keep up with the intensity of the other teams despite losing its key players.

"We really want to bounce back from our last game, and there is a better energy and effort from everybody. Our coach (Sherwin Meneses) reminded us, that all of us are leaders," Gumabao told the press after a four-set win against the Foxies, 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on July 20.

With Jema Galanza's commitment to the national team, and with Tots Carlos, and Alyssa Valdez being sidelined due to their minor injuries, Gumabao wants to give her all to her squad.

"Creamline is not just one player, we are a team, we are one big family. We all have the same program and training. Our coaches treat us all the same. So when the coach calls our name inside the court we have to perform in the same way also."

"Even our coaches also, they are not looking for someone who is not there. Once we are inside we have to really take this opportunity, especially for us who are not part of the first six before. We really have to step up."

Gumabao wants to take things day by day and find her footing slowly but surely with the now short-handed Cool Smashers.

"Long way for us, each and every game we just want to perform better. Especially with Erica (Staunton) she's very young, it's a big crowd, it's also fun that she has a lot of input for us, and she is really a big contribution for us."

American 6-foot-1 spiker Erica Staunton churned out 26 points for the Cool Smashers win, the 23-year-old winger shared that she is grateful for Gumabao's guidance.

Read The Rest at :