Jia Morado was not just a breath of fresh air for the Creamline Cool Smashers; she was a tornado
Debuting for the Cool Smashers Saturday afternoon, the two-time UAAP champion already got the Creamline offense humming and balanced. The former Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagle even managed a few of her signature 1-2 plays en route to piloting Creamline to a smashing start to the PVL Open Conference.
A team that had multiple problems in their debut campaign during the Reinforced Conference, Morado eases several of Creamline’s pains. Just as she did with the Lady Eagles, Morado’s penchant for nearly spoon-feeding good looks to her spikers despite iffy first touches was on display, right in her first match.
For the 5-foot-7 setter, who announced her retirement from collegiate volleyball right after UAAP Season 79, it was a joy being back on the Taraflex court.
“It feels great to play. It’s always fun to play naman regardless if you win or lose. It’s a great experience playing with new players,” the 22-year-old said.
“I’m happy to be back after a short break. I never really said goodbye naman to volleyball. I’m just really happy to be back.”
With her former Ateneo teammate Alyssa Valdez, Morado already has a solid connection. It may take some time to rekindle the Morado-Valdez chemistry that spearheaded Ateneo to two UAAP titles, but Valdez is already feeling the difference of having Morado as a teammate again.
“Nakakainis na nakakagigil,” said Valdez when asked about playing with Morado again. “It’s really good to play with someone that you know inside and outside of the court. Lagi siyang nag-iisip kahit anong mangyare sa loob ng court. Ang ganda talaga ng rotation ng bola earlier. Madami siyang nase-setan.
“As her teammate, nakakagigil kasi makikita mo talaga na tig-iisa na lang ‘yung blocker or walang blocker ‘yung bibigay niya sa’yo. It’s great for us spikers. For me, I have to really control and compose myself again with those situations,” the Creamline skipper said.
And Morado may be the missing piece that can help end Valdez’ title drought.
