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Michele Gumabao proves she is still one of the PVL’s best players, soaring as the oldest-ever league MVP and leading Creamline
MANILA, Philippines – After seven combined years in the PVL, Michele Gumabao is somehow only getting better.
Capping off a heroic leadership stint in the short but uber-grueling eight-day 2024 PVL Invitational Conference, the 32-year-old star spiker became the oldest player in league history to win the coveted MVP award. It also marked the first time in her career she’s won a top conference award.
Gumabao, a three-time PVL Best Opposite Hitter, also ended the night with her eighth league championship as her Creamline Cool Smashers once again got the better of the Cignal HD Spikers in a five-set knockout final for the gold.
Recently quoted as saying her team has nothing left to prove whether or not it nails the elusive PVL “Grand Slam” or winning three titles in one season, Gumabao was surprised herself after realizing that she still had something more to show.
“I’m really happy because I learned I still have it,” the one-time UAAP and Philippine SuperLiga Finals MVP said in Filipino. “I’m just so happy and so blessed.”
“But it’s the championship that’s the most important for me, everything else is just a bonus. I’ve been blessed to be part of amazing teams who are always ready to fight all the time, and to also be led by coaches who give it their best every time in training and on the court.”
Although she only had 5 points in the knockout final, Gumabao was a central figure in an exhausted Creamline squad still missing multiple stars, as she finished the eliminations as the top local scorer with a 14.8 points per game average — a hair under import Erica Staunton’s norms of 15.3.
Long replaced from the starting lineup by Tots Carlos — now a league-record three-time MVP — Gumabao stayed focused on the task at hand, played winning volleyball whenever her number was called, and did not utter a single complaint no matter what the situation nor what minutes she got.
And when there was practically no veteran left to lead the way due to circumstances beyond Creamline’s control, good old “MG” was there, always ready with a killer smile to match a high-stakes game.
The dynastic, 10-time PVL champion Cool Smashers proved Gumabao right. They indeed have nothing left to prove.
And now, she can say the same for herself. – Rappler.com
