Erica Staunton rallies behind Creamline in Day 3 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Semifinals on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA — Erica Staunton expressed excitement on Thursday about playing with the Creamline Cool Smashers again, this time in the AVC Women's Champions League.

Staunton was one of the key figures in Creamline's Grand Slam last year, helping the Cool Smashers clinch the 2024 Reinforced and Invitational Conference.

The young American wing spiker said she was up for the challenge, especially since she will be with the Cool Smashers.

"I'm really excited. I think I'm just happy to be back, playing with these girls and playing in the AVC. Definitely a challenge but it'll be a lot of fun," Staunton told ABS-CBN News.

"It's definitely a new experience for me in my career, but again just looking forward to taking on the challenge with these girls, that's what I'm most excited about. Just having fun and [we're] really challenging ourselves," she went on.

Staunton was named Best Outside Spiker in the Invitational Conference.

Before the Creamline reunion, Staunton last played in Indonesia's Proliga. 

Staunton bared the lessons she learned from her Indonesia stint, saying that she "had a great time with that league as well."

READ: PVL: Erica Staunton tapped as Creamline's import for AVC Women’s Champions League

"I was in Indonesia, playing in Proliga. I had a lot of fun with those girls, learned a lot, I had a great time with that league as well," she said.

"I think kind of similar to the Philippines, their defense is extremely strong, kind of had to figure that out a little bit, and also their work ethic and their ability to have fun well at the court, I think really transcends well from Indonesia and the Philippines."

Staunton is at the Araneta Coliseum to rally behind Creamline in its renewed quest for PVL glory.

The Cool Smashers will take on Choco Mucho later in the day, scheduled for 6 p.m.