Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Jia De Guzman

  • Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Winning hasn’t masked the truth inside the Creamline camp — and they’re not pretending it has.

    At 2-1 in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the Cool Smashers are back in the win column after dropping their opener to PLDT. 

     

    On paper, back-to-back victories over Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee suggest stability. On the court, however, Creamline knows it’s still searching for rhythm.

     

    The ZUS Coffee match told the story clearly. Creamline opened flat, surrendered the first set, and looked momentarily unsure of itself. Then the switch flipped. The Cool Smashers imposed their will in the next three sets to pull away, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18. It was clinical — eventually. But it also highlighted the gap between potential and performance.

     

    And no one articulated that better than Jia De Guzman.

     

    “Despite our wins, we sometimes put ourselves in unnecessary tough situations,” she said, adding that the team is focused on improving its chemistry to play more cohesively.

     

    For De Guzman, this conference isn’t just about standings. It’s about reintegration and recalibration. After nearly three years away — including a stint with Denso Airybees in Japan’s S.V. League and duties with Alas Pilipinas — the eight-time PVL Best Setter is rediscovering timing, trust, and tempo with a group that has evolved during her absence.

     

    “Ako personally, hindi pa. Hindi pa ito yun,” said De Guzman, who returned to the squad to start the conference after nearly three years, during which she spent time with Denso Airybees in the Japan S.V. League and later with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “I think there are still a lot of times na we put ourselves in hard situations na hindi naman talaga dapat. Like coach said nga, maraming beses na yung effort talaga namin at yung kagustuhan naming manalo, nagdi-dictate kung ano yung nangyayari sa laro,” she added.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “And a lot of times, today and the past games, nagsa-stop kami. So, yun yung tina-try naming ayusin din as a team.”

     

    It’s a rare admission from a dynasty built on precision. Creamline’s identity has long been rooted in control — dictating pace, limiting errors, closing teams out before they can breathe. But this version of the Cool Smashers is learning in real time, winning through turbulence instead of avoiding it.

     

    De Guzman’s stat line against ZUS Coffee — 25 excellent sets and 10 points from six attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces — reflects production. Yet even that comes with self-critique.

     

    “I think, regarding my performance, I still see a lot of lapses. Maraming sitwasyon nga, like coach mentioned, na we could’ve controlled better, we made a lot of errors. Pero, thankfully, natuto kami and naihabol naman namin,” said De Guzman.

     

    What stands out is not frustration, but awareness.

     

    Creamline is no longer chasing perfection in February. It is building toward something heavier — cohesion forged through adversity rather than dominance alone. These are not the smooth, effortless wins of a team already in sync. They are the gritty, instructional victories of a group rebuilding its internal wiring.

     

    And strangely, that may be more dangerous for the rest of the league.

     

    “But, as a team, I’m really proud of how we performed. Kasi, ito yung kinds of games na natututo kami gumalaw as one. Parang dito kami nagbi-build ng chemistry,” she said.

     

    “Dito kami nakaka-face ng adversity and kung paano namin iha-handle talaga as one team. So, thankfully talaga, the win went our way.”

     

    Creamline is winning — but it knows it hasn’t arrived.

     

    For a team used to setting the standard, that honesty might be the first real sign that its peak form is still loading.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Savannah Davison praises Jia De Guzman after PLDT’s sweep of Creamline

    Savannah Davison praises Jia De Guzman after PLDT’s sweep of Creamline

    The opening days of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference sent a clear message: continuity matters, and momentum is real.

     

    PLDT wasted no time asserting its dominance over Creamline, delivering a confident 25-22, 25-17, 25-23 sweep on Thursday at the Playtime Filoil Centre. What once felt like an occasional upset has now become a pattern, as the High Speed Hitters stretched their unbeaten run against the league’s most decorated franchise to five consecutive games—a remarkable streak that has spanned 811 days.

     

    At the heart of PLDT’s brilliance was reigning MVP Savannah Davison, who looked every bit the superstar she is. She exploded early, scoring 13 points in the opening set alone, immediately setting the tone for the match. Creamline, relying on experience and championship pedigree, tried to mount a comeback, but PLDT’s pace, precision, and cohesion never wavered.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Even the long-awaited return of Creamline’s championship core—Jia de Guzman, Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, and Dij Rodriguez—could not disrupt PLDT’s rhythm. The High Speed Hitters, largely intact from last year’s title run with the only change being Seth Rodriguez replacing Dell Palomata, displayed the fluidity and understanding of a team that has been building together for years.

     

    Davison finished with a conference-first triple-double, tallying 25 points, 11 digs, and 10 receptions, while Kianna Dy, Jovy Prado, and PLDT’s supporting cast ensured the offense remained balanced and relentless.

    For Davison, this marked the first time she faced a full-strength Creamline squad since joining PLDT in October 2023. The star outside hitter was quick to praise the formidable lineup, particularly the returning Jia de Guzman, who rejoined the PVL after a three-year absence.

     

    “You know what, they were pretty intimidating when they came out. I’m not going to lie, all of them were complete. Seeing them all together and seeing how individually they are strong athletes, it can be a little intimidating when you are watching them line up,” Davison said.

     

    “I mean, Jia’s hands are really hard to read. I’m not going to lie. I thought I could swing either way. But that coming out, the whole lineup together, I don’t think I have seen that since the first year I was here,” she added.

     

    Despite the commanding victory over a PVL powerhouse, Davison emphasized the need for focus and humility as PLDT embarks on a long All-Filipino campaign.

     

    “I’m just happy that we were able to win tonight. We try to do this every game coming forward. I don’t want to take it to our head, but it’s one game at a time,” she concluded.

     

    With momentum firmly on their side, PLDT will aim to continue their winning ways when they face the Capital1 Solar Spikers in their next game on Thursday, February 12, at the FilOil Centre. The High Speed Hitters will look to maintain their composure and intensity as they seek to cement themselves as early favorites in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  •  “I’m really excited to see how much the league has changed”: Jia De Guzman on PVL return

     “I’m really excited to see how much the league has changed”: Jia De Guzman on PVL return

    Philippine women’s national volleyball team captain Jia De Guzman is set to make her long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), reuniting with her former club, the Creamline Cool Smashers, after nearly two years competing overseas with the Denso Airybees in the Japan Volleyball League (JVL).

     

    De Guzman’s homecoming marks the end of an extended international stint that saw her pursue elite competition abroad while simultaneously carrying the responsibility of leading the Alas Pilipinas program. Now back in the country’s top professional league, the veteran playmaker is embracing both the familiarity of Creamline and the new realities of a PVL that has evolved significantly during her absence.

     

    “Actually, I have been out of the PVL for almost three years now, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t watching as the other teams continued to evolve. I’m really excited to see how much the PVL has changed, and I’m more than ready to embrace the challenge. We are all excited to play,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    The last time De Guzman suited up for Creamline was during the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, where the Cool Smashers fell short in the knockout title game against Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze. Since then, the competitive landscape of the league has shifted. Creamline, once the league’s dominant force, was unable to defend all of its championships last year, while several players across the league have emerged as bona fide superstars.

     

    Among them are reigning Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, PLDT High Speed Hitters standout Savannah Davison, Capital1 Solar Spikers’ Bella Belen, and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles’ rising middle blocker Thea Gagate—names that now define a deeper, more competitive PVL.

    “With all of the teams stepping up, with a new Creamline team coming together, I’m also trying to find my way with the team to hopefully share my international experience in the PVL. But at the same time, whatever the team needs from me, I will be ready to support and do my best to deliver,” she added.

     

    De Guzman’s return also adds another layer to Creamline’s already potent roster, particularly in the playmaking department. During her absence, setter Kyle Negrito emerged as a key figure for the Cool Smashers, helping stabilize the team and maintain its championship contention. Rather than viewing the situation as a competition, De Guzman emphasized unity and flexibility within the squad.

     

    “Whatever the coaches ask from us, whether it’s me inside or Kyle inside, we are just really ready to support each other. In the same way that we have a lot of liberos, but whoever’s inside is always supported by those on the outside,” Guzman continued.

     

    While away from the PVL, De Guzman continued to build an impressive résumé overseas. She played a pivotal role in leading the Denso Airybees to the 2023–24 Japan V.League Division 1 Women’s V.Cup title, showcasing her ability to thrive against world-class competition. She capped her stint in Japan with a silver medal finish at the prestigious 72nd Kurowashiki All Japan Volleyball Tournament, further cementing her status as one of Asia’s elite setters.

     

    Her impact was felt just as strongly on the international stage. As captain, De Guzman steered the Philippines to a historic silver medal finish at the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup—marking the country’s first podium finish in an Asian women’s volleyball tournament in 64 years and signaling a new era for the national program.

     

    Now back in the PVL, De Guzman brings not only invaluable international experience but also a legacy of sustained excellence with Creamline. Her trophy haul includes eight PVL Best Setter awards, four PVL Finals MVP honors, and seven PVL championships with the Cool Smashers—credentials that make her return one of the most significant storylines of the season.

     

    With De Guzman once again orchestrating the offense, Creamline looks poised to reassert itself amid a league that is deeper, faster, and more competitive than ever—setting the stage for a compelling new chapter in PVL history.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Can Creamline’s projected starting six bring the Cool Smashers back to PVL glory?

    Can Creamline’s projected starting six bring the Cool Smashers back to PVL glory?

    After a rare championship drought in 2025, the Creamline Cool Smashers are positioning themselves for a familiar role in 2026 — contenders with something to prove — as they enter the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference armed with a projected starting six built on experience, balance, and renewed hunger.

     

    Despite extending their league-record streak to 19 consecutive podium finishes, Creamline endured an uncharacteristic title-less year across all PVL conferences in 2025. The spotlight instead shone on the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Petro Gazz Angels, who split the season’s four championships and effectively disrupted what had long been Creamline’s near-monopoly on PVL dominance. For a franchise accustomed to setting the standard, the setback served less as a decline and more as a wake-up call.

     

    Central to Creamline’s recalibration is the acquisition of Jeniffer Nierva, widely regarded as one of the best defensive specialists in the country. The former Chery Tiggo Crossover brings elite floor coverage, sharper serve reception, and faster defensive reads — areas where Creamline showed vulnerability last season, particularly in extended rallies and transition defense.

     

    Analysts from multiple volleyball outlets have noted that Nierva’s arrival could be the single most impactful offseason move in the All-Filipino Conference, addressing a weakness without sacrificing offensive structure.

     

    Up front, Bernadeth Pons returns energized after a successful stint with Alas Pilipinas beach, highlighted by a Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball gold medal. Her dual-discipline experience has sharpened her all-around game, and her presence adds composure and flexibility to Creamline’s wing rotation. 

     

    Pons, the former 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference MVP and Finals MVP with Creamline has openly spoken about the team’s renewed mindset, emphasizing that early January training camps focused on cohesion and accountability after last season’s frustrations.

     

    Holding the middle is Bea De Leon, whose value extends beyond box scores. A consistent force at the net, the former UAAP Season 81 Finals MVP remains one of the league’s most reliable blockers and an underrated offensive option in quick sets. Her ability to disrupt opposing attacks has long been a pillar of Creamline’s defensive identity, and her leadership provides continuity as the team integrates new pieces.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Guiding the offense is Jia De Guzman, the reigning Alas Pilipinas captain and widely considered the best setter of her generation. De Guzman’s return ensures tempo control, efficient ball distribution, and tactical flexibility — critical in an All-Filipino Conference where depth and system execution often separate contenders from champions. With De Guzman orchestrating, Creamline regains its ability to vary pace and exploit mismatches, a hallmark of its championship runs.

     

    On the wings, Jema Galanza’s return from injury restores a proven closer to the lineup. When healthy, the two-time PVL MVP and former Adamson standout has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, combining power with court awareness that few defenders can neutralize. Alongside her, Tots Carlos remains the offensive constant — a scorer capable of producing across rotations and carrying stretches when the offense stalls. Together, they form one of the most feared wing tandems in the league.

     

    This projected starting six reflects more than just talent; it reflects intent. Creamline’s offseason moves signal a strategic response to its sixth-place finish in the 2025 Reinforced Conference, its lowest placement since joining the professional ranks. Rather than overhauling the roster, the Cool Smashers opted for precision — reinforcing defense, restoring health, and leaning into their championship core.

     

    Historically, Creamline’s pedigree speaks for itself. The Cool Smashers are the winningest franchise in PVL history, owning 10 league championships across various conferences and more finals appearances than any other team, and the only team to win a Grand Slam by winning all three conferences in 2024. Since their debut, they have built a culture defined by consistency, adaptability, and postseason excellence — traits that remain intact despite last year’s setbacks.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference placing a premium on chemistry and system play over import-driven firepower, Creamline appears well-suited for a return to form. With the league losing two of its powerhouse teams in Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, the Cool Smashers are poised to remain one of the top teams of the PVL. 

     

    For the rest of the league, the message is familiar — and unsettling: the Cool Smashers are reloaded, refocused, and once again ready to chase the crown.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!