Jia puts flag first

Jia de Guzman is keen on reuniting with the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

However, the decorated setter did not give a definite timetable for her much-awaited return with the pink and white-clad crowd-darling squad.

For now, the Alas Pilipinas team captain remains focused on her national team duties.

“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” De Guzman said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“In terms of timeline, I cannot answer anything now yet, but when I do, I will be sure to let everyone know,” she added.

De Guzman last saw action for the Cool Smashers back in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference before signing with the Denso Airybees in the Japan V.League. She helped the Airybees rule the 2023-2024 Division 1 Women’s V Cup.

“Right now, it’s really national team period. The Rebisco management and I have a clear understanding that while Alas players are needed by the national team, our focus is here,” the 30-year-old playmaker said.

De Guzman led Alas’ historic silver medal finish in the recently-concluded Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

De Guzman was also named Best Setter in the prestigious continental competition for the second straight year. Alas finished with a bronze medal in the previous edition in Manila.

“So right now, I’m very grateful because they’re allowing me to focus entirely on Alas Pilipinas because we know that we have a responsibility to the country also, so I’m very grateful to Creamline,” the eight-time PVL Best Setter said.

“It’s not just me that’s in the pool from the Rebisco family. It’s also Maddie (Madayag) and now it’s also Tia Andaya. It’s very clear with the management and they are very supportive because they know that when they send us to the national team, we come back with better experiences that can help Creamline and Choco Mucho in their campaigns,” she added.

Despite her absence, Creamline still managed to complete a historic PVL grand slam last season with Kyle Negrito holding her own in filling De Guzman’s shoes.

Alas has a busy schedule with stints in the VTV Cup in Vietnam by the end of this month and in the two-leg Southeast Asian V.League in July before setting its sights on ending a 20-year podium drought in the SEA Games in Thailand in December. Mark Escarlote