Negrito Guides Cool Smashers to Semifinals with Tough Win Over Chargers

Kyle Negrito stepped up as Creamline secured its spot in the semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, defeating Akari in a hard-fought four-set battle, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre.

Negrito, a four-time league Best Setter and former Finals MVP, filled in for Jia De Guzman and delivered a poised performance when it mattered most. The 29-year-old setter dished out 23 accurate sets and contributed six points, helping to steer the Cool Smashers through a tense knockout match.

“I'm happy because, like Coach said, this was our real goal—to make it to the semis. I’m grateful they trusted me, and I'm also happy we got the win today because we worked hard for it,” Negrito shared after the match.

Alyssa Valdez led the team with a game-high 20 points, supported by 19 digs and eight excellent receptions, helping Creamline bounce back from a tough loss to Cignal earlier in the tournament.

Despite losing the third set, the Cool Smashers regained control in the fourth, racing to a 12-4 lead and holding off Akari to finish the two-hour-and-10-minute match on top.

“I’m happy because we experienced this kind of intense match again, and of course, we won. Creamline has been through a lot of do-or-die games, so I trust that they know how to handle these situations. But the fight’s not over yet, the semifinals are still ahead, and that’s our real target: to keep winning,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

Alongside Negrito and Valdez, Bernadeth Pons contributed a double-double with 13 points and 17 digs, while Jeanette Panaga and Tots Carlos added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Bea De Leon chipped in with six points, including two crucial kill blocks.

Jennifer Nierva anchored the defense with 23 excellent receptions, while Jema Galanza made her return from injury, contributing as a service specialist.

Creamline will face top-seeded PLDT in the semifinals on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

For Akari, Ivy Lacsina led the charge with 13 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Fifi Sharma added 12 points. Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud both contributed 11 points, and Grethcel Soltones finished with seven points, 15 digs, and 18 excellent receptions.

Mars Alba dished out 28 excellent sets, and captain Justine Jazareno recorded 24 digs, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent Creamline from advancing to the semifinals.