It's going to be surreal not seeing Jia de Guzman as the setter for Creamline.
It's going to be a different kind of Creamline Cool Smashers for the PVL's Second All-Filipino Conference this month, with eight-time Best Setter Jia de Guzman now playing for a new pink squad in the Japan V.League.
Her longtime teammate Alyssa Valdez though remains positive and supportive as the Cool Smashers look to defend their title.
"Definitely, it's really different now. Jia has been part of the Creamline Cool Smashers for so long, but really, really praying, cheering on for her in her new journey," Valdez told One Sports during practice on Monday. "Looking forward to watching her games as well!"
Valdez and de Guzman have been playing together since college with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. They have also been integral parts of the Philippine team. Valdez deeply knows what de Guzman is like.
"Naku, si Jia very quiet," Valdez said when asked about the setter's departure. "But we know deep inside, she's really sad about it as well, but she really wants to grow for herself and for the team as well."
Jia did make sure that her presence and her mindset were ingrained into the team heading to the third PVL conference, as shared by Valdez. And it goes way back to her college roots.
"One thing na laging sinasabi sa'min ni Jia, 'Kailangan natin lagi mag-focus!' But definitely, we have to stay happy-happy every single time. And heartstrong din," Valdez said.
"'Yun 'yung binibigay niya sa aming energy. And with or without her presence, alam namin na lagi siyang nakasuporta sa amin. So gagawin naming inspiration, motivation for this conference," the team captain added. "Jia, we miss you!"
It will now be Kyle Negrito stepping up as the senior setter of the squad, but she's got plenty of experience under her belt not just with Creamline but with the national team as well.
"It's very interesting also in our team ngayong conference kasi nga maraming bago, maraming adjustments na mangyayari. We're gonna work with what we have and we're gonna bring our A-game every game," Valdez noted.
The Creamline Cool Smashers will begin the third PVL conference this Sunday with a match against sister squad Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
The game will be aired live on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(PM)