The Jaja Santiago-Minowa era in Creamline is officially underway, as the Cool Smashers launched their 2026 PVL Invitationals title bid with a 25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20 win over Nxled on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Minowa, who returned to the PVL after five years, immediately made her presence felt by leading the Cool Smashers with a team-best 19 points on 17-of-30 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Creamline joined PLDT as the early winners in the six-team field, both sporting identical 1-0 records. Farm Fresh and Ho Chi Minh City will close out the opening-day triple-header.
(C) PVL Images
“Masaya kami kahit na medyo nag-struggle doon sa third set. Talagang hindi rin talaga nagpatalo nang mabilis yung Nxled,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Siyempre, with Jaja, talagang hahanapin namin yung talagang makakatulong siya, makakatulong kami. Kasi medyo yung third set talaga, familiarity yung hindi namin naibigay doon. Hopefully sa mga next game namin, maganda yung connection ni setter saka si Jaja,” continued the eight-time champion coach.
A crucial back-row attack error from Alyssa Valdez gave the Chameleons set point in the third frame, which they capitalized on. Jonah Sabete-Escamillan came through with the ensuing hit to extend the match, 25-23.
But in the fourth set, the Cool Smashers made sure to finish the job.
With Creamline ahead, 22-20, Tots Carlos started the finishing kick with a through-the-block hit. Valdez followed with an off-speed attack that evaded the blockers.
(C) PVL Images
Sabete-Escamillan then handed the Cool Smashers the victory when her attack sailed out.
Kyle Negrito delivered 31 excellent sets while scoring six points of her own, effectively distributing the wealth for Creamline. Jema Galanza produced an all-around performance with 17 points, 14 digs, and 11 receptions, while Carlos chipped in 14 points.
Valdez also stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points and 12 receptions in the victory.
Creamline will look to make it two wins in a row on Tuesday when it faces Ho Chi Minh City at 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, Nxled will seek to bounce back against PLDT at 1:30 PM.
Sabete-Escamillan led the Chameleons with 20 points, 25 receptions, and 11 digs, while EJ Cariño added 18 points.
