Jia De Guzman eased concerns after suffering a right knee injury during Creamline’s thrilling five-set triumph over Cignal, a victory that secured the team’s spot in the qualifying round of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
De Guzman, who was replaced by Kyle Negrito after slipping on a dig attempt in the fifth set with Cignal ahead 3-2, said the Cool Smashers were simply being cautious, which is why she didn’t return to the match. She added that she will undergo an MRI tomorrow to confirm the extent of the injury.
“It was quite a scare. It was just a bad slip, pero we wanted to be a little safer moving forward kasi actually mahaba pa yung season,” the eight-time PVL Best Setter said after the game.
“So, we’re just going to observe this overnight. We’ll try to get a check tomorrow, and I’ll send updates. Hopefully wala.”
(C) PVL Images
De Guzman said she trusted Negrito to take over in the fifth set—and the two-time league Best Setter delivered, guiding Creamline to a crucial 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14 victory over Cignal.
Aside from Negrito, veteran hitters Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, as well as Dij Rodriguez, stepped up to carry the Cool Smashers toward the finish line.
“Tiwala ako noong nasa bench kami at malaki rin ’yung tiwala ko kay Kyle. I felt like she could carry that fifth set to the end. And they did. I’m super proud,” said De Guzman.
She said she’s keeping her fingers crossed and hopes she’ll be ready in time for Creamline’s rematch with the Super Spikers in the qualifying round on Thursday.
“And thankfully nanalo kasi sa Thursday pa yung next game namin. So I have time.”
