MANILA, Philippines – Sherwin Meneses navigated two critical coaching responsibilities, experiencing both the agony of defeat and the satisfaction of victory. After enduring a heartbreaking loss with Creamline in the PVL one evening, he made his UAAP head coaching debut the following day, guiding National University to a resounding triumph.

On Saturday night in Antipolo, Meneses witnessed the end of Creamline Cool Smashers’ remarkable 19-game winning streak, a run that spanned three conferences and six months. The team suffered a hard-fought defeat at the hands of the determined PLDT High Speed Hitters, led by Savannah Davison. Despite a valiant comeback from a 0–2 set deficit to force a deciding fifth set, Creamline ultimately fell short, losing 28-30, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 14-16.

The defeat was a significant blow to Creamline, extinguishing their hopes of sweeping the preliminary round of the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference. However, Meneses remained composed and analytical in his assessment of the match. He acknowledged that while the team did not play poorly overall, lapses in the fifth set proved costly, allowing their opponents to capitalize on crucial moments.

Less than 24 hours later, Meneses had to swiftly shift his focus. With no time to dwell on the previous night’s loss, he stepped onto a different court, this time as the head coach of the NU Lady Bulldogs, marking his much-anticipated return to the UAAP. The transition from professional volleyball to the collegiate level took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where he faced the high expectations of leading a new team in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

Despite the quick turnaround, Meneses remained unfazed. He emphasized that while the league and players may differ, the fundamental aspects of the game remain the same. Adjusting to a different roster presented a challenge, but his approach remained consistent—guiding his team with strategy, discipline, and motivation.

Wasting no time in making an impact, Meneses led the NU Lady Bulldogs to a commanding 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 victory over De La Salle University. The win not only marked a successful return to collegiate coaching for Meneses but also served as a redemption following Creamline’s tough loss the previous night. Though the setback in the PVL was still fresh, Meneses refused to let it overshadow his focus, ensuring that he remained locked in on the present task.

The victory over La Salle was particularly significant, as the Lady Spikers have long been regarded as one of the UAAP’s most formidable teams. Securing a straight-sets win over such a storied program added to the magnitude of the triumph. Meneses credited his players for executing the game plan effectively, following instructions diligently, and responding well under pressure.

For Meneses, the most rewarding aspect of the victory was witnessing the grit and determination displayed by his players. The team’s veteran members demonstrated their commitment to winning and showcased resilience throughout the match. Their discipline and drive reflected the level of preparation and focus instilled by their coach.

Meneses’ return to the UAAP after several years away underscored his adaptability and ability to handle the demands of coaching at both professional and collegiate levels. His ability to move past the disappointment of one match and immediately gear up for another highlighted his resilience and leadership. His experience, combined with his ability to manage the emotional highs and lows of the sport, proved invaluable in leading NU to a crucial opening victory in the tournament.

As he continues to juggle his responsibilities between Creamline and NU, Meneses faces the challenge of maintaining consistency and focus in both roles. His ability to stay composed under pressure and guide his teams through adversity will be crucial as both squads progress in their respective tournaments.

While setbacks are inevitable, his capacity to adapt and rally his teams forward remains a defining trait of his coaching philosophy. With the UAAP season just beginning, his leadership will be vital in shaping NU’s campaign, while Creamline will look to bounce back under his guidance. The coming weeks will test his ability to balance these responsibilities, but if his recent performances are any indication, Meneses is more than prepared for the challenge ahead.