Dij Rodriguez timed her breakout perfectly, leading Creamline to the qualifying round with a thrilling five-set victory over Cignal to close out the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Rodriguez, who had seen limited action in her first two years with the Cool Smashers, finally had her moment on Saturday, delivering a career-best performance that powered a come-from-behind win against the Super Spikers.
With Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza sidelined by injuries, the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball star stepped up. She contributed 19 points along with 17 excellent sets and 12 excellent digs to guide the team to a crucial victory.
“I think po lang din ako na pinagkatiwalaan ako ng coaches to fill in sa kung ano yung kulang sa team, kasi malaking kawalan talaga yung dalawa, to be honest,” said Rodriguez, who was part of the historic Alas Beach squad that won gold at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
(C) PVL Images
The 29-year-old outside hitter said it helped that she received pointers from both Pons and Galanza, especially as she continues to adjust to her new role, allowing her to contribute effectively in the big win.
“Siyempre, sa tulong din ng mga ate at sina Jema at Pons, nagre-remind din sila sa akin. Especially kasi hindi ko pa gamay ‘yung… Kasi dami kong opposition eh. Kaya ‘yun talaga, inembrace ko lang kung ano ‘yung binibigay sa akin na role,” Rodriguez said.
The Southwestern University product added that she was simply doing her part for the undermanned Cool Smashers, who were also without star setter Jia De Guzman early in the fifth set due to a knee injury. She also highlighted the team’s resilience in a challenging situation.
She vowed to continue giving her all for the team and expressed hope that everyone would regain full health in time for the qualifying round rematch against the Super Spikers.
“Ako talaga, to be honest, ginawa ko lang talaga yung part ko sa game na yan kanina. Kaya double, triple talaga ‘yung trabaho ko sa training pa lang,” said Rodriguez.
“And ‘yun nga, sabi na nga ni coach kasi hindi talaga pinilit ni coach na maglaro ‘yung dalawa, kasi nga hindi pa sila 100% okay. So, hopefully next game, maka-kompleto kami, and sababak ulit.”
#WATCH: DIJ SIEZES THE MOMENT 🏐
Dij Rodriguez tripled her effort, knowing that Creamline needed her against Cignal#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/FWgE0w74jp
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times #PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/NWSe8M2ovk
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 21, 2026
