Kyle Negrito and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Reinforced COnference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline may have been missing its super trio Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza, but setter Kyle Negrito believes its system and familiarity remain the team’s biggest edge in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
“The quarterfinals is the most important game for us so we have to be extra focused,” said Negrito in Filipino. “We’re still the same Creamline regardless of who is playing. We’ve been together for a long time so no problem for us. As coach said, we will keep on trusting each other.”
Creamline secured the third seed ahead of the knockout quarterfinal next week after sweeping the winless ZUS Coffee, 25-17, 25-15, 25-22, on Thursday at FilOIl EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round
The Cool Smashers battle the No. 6 seed, depending on who will rise between Petro Gazz and Capital1 on Tuesday next week.
Galanza is no longer returning due to Alas Pilipinas duty, while Valdez and Carlos remain uncertain amid coach Sherwin Meneses’ hope for their return.
“Hopefully, they will come back. I can’t answer it right now because our medical team has yet to give any advice. We’re ready regardless whether they return or not. Our bench players are ready to step up as they contributed all throughout the eliminations,” said Meneses in Filipino.
“We’re up for the challenge. What’s important for us is our determination to win, stay focused, and continue to trust each other in the quarterfinals.”
READ: PVL: Creamline nabs third seed as ZUS Coffee ends campaign winless
Negrito has been forming a strong bond with American spiker Erica Staunton, Bernadeth Pons, and Michele Gumabao as well as middle blockers Pangs Panaga and Bea De Leon, winning six of their eight assignments without the three MVPs.
“It’s still a learning process but every game we get to strengthen our chemistry. Good thing, we’ve been together for a long time here at Creamline,” said the All-Filipino Conference Best Setter.