MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago delivered a commanding debut performance to power the Creamline Cool Smashers past a tough Nxled Chameleons squad in four sets, 25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, to kick off their 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference campaign on Monday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-3 middle blocker spearheaded the Cool Smashers' offense with 19 points built on 17 attacks, one block, and an ace, ensuring Creamline started the short tournament on a high note.
Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the victory, earning Player of the Game honors after dishing out 31 excellent sets while adding six points of her own.
Despite pulling off the hard-fought win, Santiago acknowledged that she is still adjusting to the team's system and building chemistry with Negrito in the 10-day conference.
“I think with Kyle we are getting there, getting the connection that we are looking for, but in crucial moments we still need to work on that like what happened in the third set. But, also it’s just not me and her that needs to work on our connection, it’s us, the whole team,” Santiago said post-game.
“It’s not only me and the setter, everyone of us should adjust to the system of coach Sherwin (Meneses). We need to master how to work on scoring in tight and crucial matches,” she added, pointing to their third-set stumble.
Negrito’s balanced distribution also enabled Jema Galanza to turn in a complete performance with 17 points, 14 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions. Team captain Alyssa Valdez added 13 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Nxled put up a strong fight behind Jonah Sabete, who fired 20 points off 18 attacks, a block, and an ace. EJ Cariño and Jacq Acuña contributed 18 and 11 points, respectively.
The Chameleons played without three-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle, who remains sidelined due to a right shoulder injury.
