Jen Nierva stays grounded as Creamline wins fourth straight, eyes sharper game

Even in the middle of a winning streak, Jen Nierva refuses to let comfort settle in.

The Creamline libero welcomed the Cool Smashers’ fourth consecutive victory in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference but quickly pointed out that momentum means little without constant refinement.

Creamline turned back Galeries, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan to stretch its surge after an opening-game stumble against PLDT. But for Nierva, the four-game run is less about the streak and more about steady progress.

“Happy po sa naging result ng game and everyone get to enjoy and get to play inside. I think it’s always a learning process yung 2nd set. Nakita din namin kung ano yung kailangan pa naming iwork on for following games din po,” Nierva said in an exclusive interview with Abante Sport’s Rogelio Nicolas III.

The Cool Smashers looked poised for a runaway finish after blasting to a 12-1 start in the fourth set. Instead, they were forced to dig deep as Galeries clawed back behind rookie captain Julia Coronel’s consecutive aces to threaten at 24-23.

Veterans Pangs Panaga and Jia de Guzman restored order with a crisp combination play that slammed the door shut — a sequence that underscored Creamline’s composure when the match tightened.

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ALL HAIL TO THE TOWER AT THE NET, AND THE MIGHTY FLOOR DEFENDERS!

#6 PANAGA, Pangs
11 points
2 blocks
3 aces

#11 ATIENZA, Kyla
11 excellent digs

#22 NIERVA, Jen
12 excellent receptions

SALAMAT SA BUHAY N’YO!!!#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/QFHWU23i53

— 𝞋𝞎 (@chiamorado) March 3, 2026

While the spotlight often shines on the scorers, Nierva’s presence at the backline has anchored the team’s rhythm. She has also embraced a shared role with fellow libero Kyle Atienza, a setup she believes is accelerating her growth.

“Ayun po very happy na sya po yung kasama ko ngayon sa court and andami ko rin po natututunan sa kanya. And actually naamaze din po ako sa kanila lahat naman po ng liberos kasi ibat iba po ng strengths so every single day every practice namin every games nag oobserve din po ako and tinatry ko po matuto from them,” she said.

Behind De Guzman’s 22 excellent sets, Creamline displayed its depth with four players finishing in double figures. Tots Carlos led with 19 points, Bernadeth Pons added 15, Jema Galanza chipped in 12 markers along with 11 excellent receptions, while Panaga contributed 11 points.

Yet even with the balanced attack, Nierva’s focus has already shifted to the next test.

“Just like our other games po kailangan namin ibigay yung best namin and work harder kasi di naman po natin malalaman ano yung ilalaro nila and just to play our best at saka po kailangan malinis din yung galaw namin kasi mahihirapan po kami kapag mataas po yung errors or hindi nagkakaroon ng connection I think yun din po for our upcoming games kailangan iwork on din namin kung ano yung nakitang kulang namin sa mga previous games,” she said.

Creamline faces Nxled on Saturday, aiming not just to extend its streak but to sharpen the details Nierva knows will matter deeper into the conference.

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