Pundits and fans that losing Jia de Guzman would have a staggering effect on the Creamline Cool Smashers. Well, after six games in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, it’s safe to say that they thought wrong.
Without their longtime setter, who’s now playing in Japan, along with Ced Domingo, who took her talents to Thailand, the ladies in pink have yet to miss a beat.
Creamline is now 6-0, all thanks to its deep roster and each player’s willingness to step up. On Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the PVL’s glamor team made quick work of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
And it was de Guzman's former backup, Kyle Negrito, who took center stage.
After the game, the former FEU Tamaraw revealed her approach toward having a bigger role and playing against another popular team in F2.
“Talagang naging matindi rin ‘yung preparation namin and ‘yung mindset ko lang is mabigay ko palagi ‘yung best ko, matulungan ko ‘yung spikers namin, and ma-execute ‘yung system namin,” said Negrito, who had 20 excellent sets and seven points in Creamline’s sweep.
With coach Sherwin Meneses choosing to sit out Alyssa Valdez, he had to tweak Creamline’s usual player rotation. Despite the changes, Negrito and company were able to pull off an impressive victory against a tough opponent.
According to the 26-year-old Negrito, it will serve as a major boost for them moving forward.
“Ang laking boost ng morale. Siyempre alam naman natin na hindi biro ‘yung naging laban. So malaking tulong ito sa amin para sa mga dadating na games.”
The Cool Smashers, with their confidence at an all-time high, will go for their seventh straight win this Saturday when they take on the PLDT High Speed Hitters in Cagayan de Oro.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)
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