Jia De Guzman lauded the heart Creamline showed during the entirety of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
After successfully tying the Finals series following a massive five-set win in Game Two last Thursday, the Cool Smashers only had a day to prepare and map out a game plan for the Angels in the do-or-die Game Three.
Despite the fatigue, all 16 players showed up on time during their Wednesday practice and went through their three-hour training session with smiles on their faces.
“Sobrang overwhelming for us kasi hindi madali yung pinagdaanan namin to get this championship. Nakita talaga yung hard work na binuhos ng lahat sa team,” said De Guzman, who assumed captaincy after Alyssa Valdez missed the entire conference due to a right knee injury.
“We only got a day in between to prepare for the next game so grabe yung focus ng team sa recovery and when we got to train for three hours, as in everyone present talaga and ready to train for three hours.”
The fruit of their hard work was on full display in Game Three as the Cool Smashers avoided an opening set blunder to take down the Angels in four sets, 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, and claim their second consecutive All-Filipino Conference title – their sixth overall.
De Guzman bagged her fourth Finals Most Valuable Player award in the process and her eighth Best Setter award in the process.
The Ateneo great credited the rest of the Cool Smashers for her impressive play throughout the conference.
“We have to give it to the team also and sa coaching staff for helping us get this championship.”
