2 weeks Ago
Creamline’s Erica Staunton and Anastasia Kolomoyets during the AVC Champions League.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Erica Staunton relished her connection with fellow imports Ana Kudryashova of Russia and Nastia Kolomoyets of Kazakhstan to give Creamline a winning debut in the (AVC) Champions League on Sunday at Philsports Arena.
Staunton, who led Creamline to a historic grand slam in the 2024 PVL season, picked up where she left off, pouring in 17 points built on 13 kills, three aces, and a block to win their first Pool A game with a 29-27, 25-20, 25-19 sweep of Jordan’s Al Naser Club. The American outside hitter is honored to play for the Cool Smashers anew and more importantly, to represent the Philippines in the Asian tournament. “I think I’m just really excited to be able to play with them again.
I’ve been here for a couple of weeks, so obviously I was watching their games in the finals and I was just itching to be able to be on the court with them,” said Staunton. “I’m just really excited to be here playing with Creamline but also representing the Philippines. I think that’s really special.
Overall, it’s very surreal and I’m really happy to be back.” Erica Staunton and Alyssa Valdez talk about the energy of Nastia Kolomoyets and Ana Kudryashova. #AVCChampionsLeague @INQUIRERSports pic.
twitter.com/PqE8Ys8PvW — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 20, 2025 Staunton also credited her fellow imports Kudryashova, who had eight points, and Kolomoyets providing the spark off the bench with her animated celebrations and eight-point debut for Creamline. “Nastia, her energy is great.
She really makes me laugh. But I think a lot of Creamline’s success has come from just them being able to have fun on the court and just really enjoy playing volleyball. So, I think that them bringing that kind of energy is really helpful, both Ana and Nastia.
But, yeah, Nastia has really gotten into it and it’s been awesome to see,” said Staunton. “I think overall as a whole, just bringing that positive energy is kind of what Creamline’s whole team culture is about.” Though they only had limited preparation with the Cool Smashers, the Russian outside hitter relished Creamline’s warm welcome and winning culture.
“Our teammates! They’re the best, they are the absolute best! Every single one of them brings a lot of energy, even like the bench, it doesn’t really matter. Everyone is really supporting each other and showing love to each other. It’s really nice playing in Creamline and we love it,” said Kudryashova.
Nastia Kolomoyets and Ana Kudryashova share their thoughts after a winning debut with Creamline. #AVCChampionsLeague @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.
com/2glof6s1am — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 20, 2025 Kudryashova also enjoyed the crowd energy, too. “Me and Nastiya, we have never played with such a nice crowd, and I never experienced so many people supporting us, like so many emotions, and that was feeding us during the game. It helped us play better really, and thank you so much for coming for each and every fan,” she added.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Kazakh middle blocker Kolomoyets, who also enjoyed her experience, is looking forward to their next game against Al Zhetysu — their club rival in her home country as she and Kudryashova play for VC Kuanysh.
“We’re just gonna give our heart and soul to just play the best that we can, and believe in our team until the very last game,” said Kolomoyets. “We know this team and it’s going to be a really tough and nice game to play. We’re just going to defend Creamline and it doesn’t really matter that we’re familiar with this team.
We’re just going to be professional, and do everything that’s in our power to defend and protect Creamline and defeat Zheytsu,” added Kudryashova..
