Jaja Santiago‑Minowa wasted little time making an impact in her return to the PVL, but the Creamline Cool Smashers middle blocker knows there is still plenty of room to grow—particularly in her connection with setter Kyle Negrito.
Santiago‑Minowa made her Creamline debut in the professional league on Monday and led the Cool Smashers with 19 points in their 25‑20, 25‑23, 23‑25, 25‑20 victory over the Nxled Chameleons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite the strong start, Santiago‑Minowa admitted that her adjustment to Creamline’s system is still a work in progress.
Building the Santiago-Negrito Connection
The 6‑foot‑5 middle blocker believes she and Negrito are gradually finding their rhythm, although both players still need to make adjustments, especially when the pressure rises.
“I think with Kyle we’re getting there, we’re getting the connection that we’re looking for. It’s just siguro in crucial moments—not only her, but ako din minsan bumababa ‘yung set niya. Ako din, minsan dumidikit ako sa net,” said Santiago‑Minowa.
“It’s not only her na kailangan mag‑adjust; it’s me and her na talagang mahanap minsan ‘yung connection, especially sa crucial moment,” she added.
Santiago‑Minowa also gave herself a 70‑percent mark in adjusting to the Cool Smashers’ system, pointing out that she remains the newcomer within an established group.
“Tingin ko, nasa 70‑percent, nandoon na. Hindi ‘yung team eh, it’s me na kailangan talaga sistema nila ‘yun e. Nandito ako, nag‑iisa ako na pumasok sa kanila. Ako ‘yung dapat mag‑adjust talaga, and kailangan ko pang matutunan ‘yung sa blocking system namin, ‘yung defense.”
Negrito had 31 excellent sets in Creamline’s opening victory, helping three other Cool Smashers join Santiago‑Minowa in double figures.
The quick turnaround gives the duo little time to work on their timing. Creamline faces Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday before meeting Farm Fresh, Thailand’s EST Cola, and defending champion PLDT in the succeeding matches.
A Work in Progress
With the Invitationals running for just eight days, Santiago‑Minowa is hoping the connection continues to develop with every game.
“I think hindi naman siya mahirap kasi it’s been two months na rin na nagte‑training ako sa kanila and tingin ko we’re getting there. Itong whole Invitational hanggang finals tingin ko magko‑connect lahat,” she said.
Santiago‑Minowa’s stint with Creamline is limited to the Invitationals before she heads to the United States for her next chapter with League One Volleyball, making the short tournament an important window for her to settle into the Cool Smashers’ system.
