Negrito, Creamline stake unbeaten card vs PLDT

MANILA, Philippines – Everyone knew when setter par excellence Jia de Guzman left for Japan, successor Kyle Negrito would have in her hands the fate of Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Wherever she goes, the Cool Smashers would follow.

“Ang mindset ko maibigay palagi best ko at matulungan spikers at ma execute system namin,” said Negrito, whose team clashes with a dangerous PLDT side Saturday when the league goes to Cagayan de Oro at the Aquilino Pimentel International Convention Center.

Negrito has been nothing short of exceptional as Creamline’s starting setter as her calm demeanor and steadiness in tremendous pressure have helped the Cool Smashers zoom to the top with a pristine 6-0 record.

In fact, she was so impressive that she dished out 20 excellent sets and drilled in seven hits in a surprisingly quick, merciless 25-19, 25-21, 25-16 demolition of F2 Logistics Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Colseum.

Negrito buried early fears that she would struggle under the spotlight minus her mentor and friend in De Guzman.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said preparation and following the system are the keys.

“Basta mag prepare lang kami at me execute lang namin system, kahit sino players pa ipasok, me chance kami manalo,” he said.

For the High Speed Hitters, currently with a 5-2 record, they would go for nothing but a win that would catapult them inside the magiuc four while bolstering their bid in the heated semifinal race.

Game time is at 6 p.m.

Akari (3-4), for its part, fight for dear semis life as it tackles Gerflor (0-7) at 4 p.m.