Defending champion Creamline is set to enter uncharted territory come the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
This marks the first time in six years that the Cool Smashers will compete without their top playmaker, Jia De Guzman, who recently signed with Denso of V.League Division 1 immediately after the Invitational Conference.
De Guzman’s absence, however, is not a cause for concern, as Creamline’s head coach, Sherwin Meneses, and team captain, Alyssa Valdez, have confidence in backup setter Kyle Negrito, who is ready to step into the starting role.
“Siyempre, yung preparation naman hindi naman ganun kabilis pero we try naman na mapunan yung pwesto ni Jia [De Guzman], especially si Kyle [Negrito] veteran setter naman,” said Meneses.
“So I think hindi naman masyadong magkakaproblema.”
Valdez, a three-time PVL MVP, believes that Negrito’s experience as De Guzman’s backup for the past five years will prove valuable as the Cool Smashers aim to defend the crown they won last March.
“We’re missing Jia so much on and off the court most especially her leadership din but we’ve always been training naman with Kyle din during practices for the longest time also,” said the Ateneo legend.
“She’s been part of the Creamline Cool Smashers for a while and she’s been representing our country as well and also she’s mentored [by Jia], and si Jia din naman yung naging teammate niya so may mga natutunan at mga nashe-share din si Jia sa kanya.”
Meneses also mentioned that the extended preparation before the Second All-Filipino Conference allowed Creamline to adjust to their new setup.
“Okay naman yung preparation namin this coming conference. Medyo mahaba di gaya nung nakaraang conference medyo maikli. Mahaba yung liga this conference,” said the PVL champion coach.
Valdez, on the other hand, expressed her happiness for De Guzman as she embarks on a new career journey, a path that Valdez herself had traveled before.
“We’re very happy. I think Jia showed everyone that she deserves that spot. She’s been one of the best setters we have here in the Philippines,” said Valdez, one of the first Filipino volleyball players to play overseas.
“We’re very happy and we look forward na talagang mahalin niya yung sport because of this chance and opportunity. And we hope na magkaroon din kami makalaro si Jia soon. We’re very excited to watch her live in Japan. Kung happy si Jia, mas doble yung kasiyahan namin.”
