Negrito holding fort for Cool Smashers

MANILA, Philippines — Everyone knew when setter par excellence Jia de Guzman left for Japan, successor Kyle Negrito would hold in her hands the fate of Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Wherever she goes, the Cool Smashers would follow.

“Ang mindset ko maibigay palagi best ko at matulungan ang spikers at ma execute system namin,” said Negrito, whose team clashes with a dangerous PLDT side today when the league goes to Cagayan de Oro at the Aquilino Pimentel International Convention Center.

Negrito has been nothing short of exceptional as Creamline’s starting setter as her calm demeanor and steadiness under tremendous pressure have helped the Cool Smashers zoom to the top with a pristine 6-0 record.

In fact, she was so impressive that she dished out 20 excellent sets and drilled in seven hits in a surprisingly quick, merciless 25-19, 25-21, 25-16 demolition of F2 Logistics Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Negrito buried early fears that she would struggle under the spotlight minus her mentor and friend in De Guzman.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said the key was preparation and following the system.

“Basta mag prepare lang kami at ma execute lang namin ang system, kahit sino players pa ipasok, me chance kami manalo,” he said.