Kyle Negrito seizes moment as Creamline’s depth powers semifinal return

In a roster filled with stars and established roles, it was Kyle Negrito who stepped into the spotlight at just the right time. 

Guiding Creamline to a four-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, to punch their ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre.

For much of the conference, Negrito watched from the sidelines as Jia De Guzman reclaimed her role following an overseas stint. But when the season hung in the balance, Creamline turned back to familiarity and Negrito delivered.

Tasked with running the offense in a do-or-die setting, the 29-year-old setter tallied 23 excellent sets and added six points.

“Sinunod ko lang po yung sinabi ni coach. ‘Di na rin naman po bago ‘yung naging game plan namin. Na-experience ko na rin po ‘yung mga ganyang do-or-die na big games,” Negrito said.

Her performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was about rhythm. The kind built over time, through reps and trust, especially during stretches when De Guzman was away. That continuity became a subtle but decisive edge.

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kyle negrito is creamline’s grandslam setter for a reason YUPPPP ganda ng combination play for pons shuta!!! #PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/6GSp4oMFak

— newjean asis (@vennietwt) April 7, 2026

WATCH: Kyle Negrito on embracing a main setter role in a knockout game. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/O3CeXliQJv

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) April 7, 2026

Head coach Sherwin Meneses sees that duality as a strength rather than a dilemma.

“Siyempre, masaya. Nagawa niya ’yung role niya. Dalawa naman sila ni Jia, talagang nagtatrabaho nang husto, pero siyempre minsan may gamble na nangyayari. Yung chemistry ng team, talagang nandiyan na kay Kyle. Pero depende naman sa situation pwedeng si Jia, pwedeng si Kyle every game,” the veteran coach said.

“So ’yun naman yung strength ng Creamline. Di natin alam kung sino magsa-start ngayon, next game si Jia o si Kyle. Basta magtrabaho lang kami, gawin namin ng tama at maging masaya sa bawat isa. Ganun lang naman ’yun,” Meneses added.

That flexibility keeps opponents guessing—and keeps Creamline dangerous.

“Masaya ako na nagtiwala sila coach sa akin and masaya ako na nakuha po namin ‘yung panalo today kasi trinabaho po talaga namin,” Negrito added.

Even with the spotlight briefly shifting to Negrito, Creamline’s firepower remained intact. Alyssa Valdez led the charge with 20 points and 19 digs, while Bernadeth Pons chipped in 13 markers.

Pangs Panaga contributed 12 points and Tots Carlos added 10 points, rounding out a balanced attack.

The win also served as a response. After a tough loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline showed composure, sticking to its system and executing when it mattered most.

“Confident po ako kasi alam ko na tutulungan ako ng teammates ko,” Negrito said.

Now back in the semifinals—a stage that has become second nature to the 10-time champions, Creamline faces a new test against the top-seeded PLDT High Speed Hitters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

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