Alyssa Valdez reflects on ‘trauma bond’ with Jia De Guzman after PVL reunion

After a two-year absence from the domestic league, Jia De Guzman finally made her long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up once again for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

For De Guzman, the comeback was more than just another appearance on the court—it was a homecoming.

The Philippine women’s national volleyball team captain wasted no time reminding fans why she remains one of the country’s premier setters. In Creamline’s 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City, De Guzman delivered an all-around performance that underscored both her leadership and versatility.

She finished with 10 points—an impressive tally for a setter—including six kills, two service aces, and two blocks. Beyond the numbers, however, it was her court vision, decision-making, and composure that steadied Creamline after dropping the opening set. De Guzman orchestrated the offense with precision, redistributing touches and maximizing her hitters as the Cool Smashers regained control of the match.

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Her return also marked the reunion of one of Philippine volleyball’s most iconic duos.

De Guzman and Alyssa Valdez share a bond that traces back to their collegiate days with the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Together, they formed the backbone of Ateneo’s rise to prominence, leading the Lady Eagles to two UAAP women’s volleyball championships and ushering in a golden era for the program.

Years later, their chemistry remains intact.

Alyssa Valdez shares how happy she is to be back on the court with Jia De Guzman, especially now that the Creamline Cool Smashers have a full lineup, noting how different it feels as their journey continues in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. #PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/6A1dvb2qiZ

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 18, 2026

Valdez described their partnership as something forged not just by wins and trophies, but by shared struggles and sacrifices.

“There is something different about us because of everything we went through together since college. We have built that ‘trauma bond’ over the years – the sacrifices we made playing volleyball wasn’t easy,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

Their journey together included grueling training sessions, heartbreaking losses, and the immense pressure of carrying Ateneo’s title aspirations. Those experiences, Valdez explained, strengthened not just their on-court connection but their mutual understanding as competitors and leaders.

“So it’s really nice to see her take command now, especially with what she wants to do for the team and how she wants to keep improving herself as a setter. As her teammate, I really appreciate that,” she added.

For Creamline, De Guzman’s return comes at a pivotal time in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. The Cool Smashers are once again positioning themselves as title contenders, and having a seasoned international campaigner at the helm significantly boosts their championship aspirations.

De Guzman has spent the past two years competing overseas and representing the Philippines in international tournaments, experiences that have sharpened her game and expanded her leadership perspective. Now back in the PVL, she brings that global exposure to a Creamline squad eager to maintain its dominance.

More than just a reunion story, De Guzman’s comeback signals stability for the Cool Smashers. With Valdez providing firepower on the wings and De Guzman dictating tempo from the setter position, Creamline regains the core that once defined its championship runs.

As the conference progresses, all eyes will be on how this rekindled partnership evolves—and whether their shared “trauma bond” can once again translate into another title charge.

For now, one thing is certain: Jia De Guzman is back in the PVL, and Creamline looks stronger because of it.

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