The Creamline Bea De Leon was a key player in Cool Smashers’ decisive sweep of Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals. De Leon’s leadership and net protection were key components of the defending champs’ defensive display that propelled them to the semifinals.

Former UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player De Leon played a key role in stopping Chery Tiggo’s aggressive tactics. Throughout the best-of-three series, she regularly interfered with the Crossovers’ offensive patterns, recording five blocks each game. Her actions demonstrated her influence as a dependable, experienced presence and strengthened Creamline’s defensive structure.

De Leon remained committed to playing the part she was given throughout the entire series. In fact, when I arrived at the game, I was pleasantly surprised by my role. As she reflected on her thinking going into the knockout stage, De Leon said, “I knew it was going to be hard, and I wasn’t really scoring a lot, but I really, really, really made sure na makatulong ako sa team, and ma-secure namin.”

De Leon scored 11 points in the first game, including key hits and important blocks, demonstrating her contributions. At the Ynares Center, the Cool Smashers won by a commanding 25-10, 27-25, 25-21 score. Throughout the game, Creamline’s system-driven defense left the Crossovers frantically trying to find answers.

Even though Chery Tiggo put up early opposition in Game 2, the reigning champions remained composed. De Leon’s final 14 points, which included seven attacks, five kill blocks, and two service aces, greatly improved her performance. After losing the opening set, Creamline bounced back to finish the series with victories of 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, and 25-22, guaranteeing a spot in the semifinals.

De Leon attributed the team’s consistent defensive prowess to head coach Sherwin Meneses. She emphasized that her blocking is the result of strict commitment to Meneses’ system, even if it is sometimes ascribed to personal skill. “Yung blocking?Di ko alam. However, we have a course for it. As a result, I am naka-base in the system. “I put my trust in Coach Sherwin’s system, and it’s really effective. They’re very helpful,” she said.

Throughout the conference, the Cool Smashers’ floor defense and blocking have continuously been rated among the best in the league. They have maintained their composure in the face of power-hitting opponents like Chery Tiggo thanks to their defensive foundation, which is based on accurate positioning and meticulous execution.

De Leon highlighted the team’s dedication to the basics and faith in the coaching staff in addition to individual effort. “You know, we remind Coach Sherwin of our struggles every single day. Despite this, there are a lot of systems that enable you to go at a fast pace. Additionally, she said, “Every day we go through, binibigay niya din sa amin kung ano kailangan, and may tiwala din kami doon.”

Against the Crossovers, Creamline’s experience was crucial, especially in stressful postseason scenarios. Even after losing the opening set of Game 2, the Cool Smashers were able to adapt well thanks to Meneses’ method, which placed a strong emphasis on accountability and organization.

De Leon further underlined how crucial mental preparation is to their achievement. “We always make the most of everything, starting with the fundamentals, taking care of our pressing issues as they arise.” “It’s systematic, it’s a mindset, and it’s a year-long,” she said.

The Cool Smashers’ system-oriented playstyle and defensive prowess continue to be their strongest suits as they enter the playoffs. With a core group of seasoned players like De Leon, Jia De Guzman, Alyssa Valdez, and Tots Carlos, who are all accustomed to the rigors of postseason volleyball, Creamline is aiming for another championship run.

The Cool Smashers pose a serious threat in the Final Four because of their ability to reliably execute their defensive strategies against elite opponents. Together with the team’s overall discipline, De Leon’s leadership at the net has produced a model that will be difficult for rival teams to match.

Creamline will want to keep up its defensive style, which has come to be associated with its championship history, as the semifinals get near. In addition to showcasing her own genius, De Leon’s performance demonstrated the efficacy of Meneses’ system, which keeps Creamline a consistent contender.