Creamline star setter Jia de Guzman won't suit up just yet for the Cool Smashers. PVL Media Bureau/file photo
MANILA (UPDATED) — Jia de Guzman will not play for Creamline in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Creamline leaders Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao confirmed the development Thursday during the league's press launch of its newest conference.
"I think our management has decided also na she has to sit the conference out. So, she's not playing this conference," said Valdez, as Gumabao affirmed the matter.
In a separate interview, coach Sherwin Meneses cited De Guzman's "long stint" in the past years, as she played with the Denso Airybees in Japan and with the national team, Alas Pilipinas Women.
READ: 'Jia is Jia': Valdez excited to team up anew with comebacking de Guzman
Creamline later informed ABS-CBN News that de Guzman will focus on ball training and more intense strength and conditioning during the Reinforced Conference, with the veteran playmaker aligning her "return to court" timeline with the squad.
"Given her competition schedule the past few years, this is to help preserve the longevity of her playing career and avoid injury," the team said.
"With the goal of returning to action for Creamline in the next conference, everyone agreed that this period will also give her time to reintegrate herself back into the Creamline system after being gone for two seasons."
Meneses also said that the eight-time PVL Best Setter could wear the Creamline jersey once more "next year."
"Si Jia talaga, talagang tested na sa mga games, so 'yung panghihinayang laging nandiyan 'yan. Big factor talaga kung makalaro si Jia, pero siguro 'di pa ngayon, siguro next year," Meneses said.
The Cool Smashers, although they are the defending champions of the Reinforced Conference, seek for redemption after missing out on the finals in the past two PVL tournaments, settling for bronze medals.