PVL: Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago show old connection at Creamline

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Alyssa Valdez relished her reunion with Jaja Santiago-Minowa, as two of the best volleyball players in the country showed a preview of what they can still do together in Creamline’s triumphant trip to Victorias City.

Four years since they last teamed up for the Philippine national volleyball team, the connection is still there for Valdez and Minowa, as Creamline swept Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, to complete a perfect PVL On Tour campaign Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.

“It honestly feels like we’re young again. We’ve been teammates since high school, then in the pros and with the national team. It’s just really nice that we get to meet again in this lifetime in the professional league,” said Valdez in Filipino, recalling her high school years with Minowa.

Creamline stars Jaja Santiago-Minowa and Alyssa Valdez relish their reunion in Victorias City. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/3PVqbwKFmF

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

In college, Valdez became the face of Ateneo, winning two UAAP titles and three UAAP MVP awards, while Minowa emerged as one of the league’s unstoppable forces, ushering in National University’s rise as a contender.

The Creamline captain has been one of the reliable spikers in the PVL and national team, while Minowa, a Filipino-born Japanese citizen, became a resident import in the Japan SV.League with a championship and two Best Blocker awards.

“It’s so nice that we’re still fulfilling our dreams together. Being on the same team, especially at Creamline, is a beautiful reminder of why we’re doing this and why we’re here. It’s because of all the teammates we’ve had and everything we’ve learned from them. For me, it’s a wonderful reminder to just keep going and continue supporting everyone,” Valdez said.

Jaja Santiago and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

They executed a beautiful combination play to end the first set, with Minowa attracting the blockers that led to Valdez’s set-clinching cross-court kill.

The 6-foot-5 middle blocker scored six points, all from kills out of her 13 attempts, while Valdez topscored with 10 points.

“I’m really happy. It’s overwhelming to play again here in the Philippines, and of course, to be with Ate Ly on the court again. We know she’s one of our leaders, so it’s nice to play without having to worry too much because you know she’s there with you,” said Minowa, who also won two titles with Valdez for PLDT in the Shakey’s V-League 2015 season — PVL’s predecessor.

Valdez is just relieved she no longer has to stop Minowa, who tormented Creamline in the 2021 Open Conference Finals inside the bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

“Honestly, we keep telling Jaja, ‘Good thing you’re our teammate!’ From her serve to her blocks and attacks, we’re just really happy she’s on our side. It’s also nice to compete against her because we learn so much from her,” said Valdez.

“But it’s completely different when she’s your teammate and she’s leading. Jaja has grown so much—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as a player as well. I’m very, very happy to be with her again and to learn all these things from her. I can’t wait to learn even more from her.”

With the US-bound Minowa joining the team, Valdez is optimistic that Creamline can handle the high expectations and get on the same page for the Invitationals next week.

“I think we have to handle it by training harder and, most importantly, training smarter. We really have to communicate because we have new players joining us and they have to adjust to our system. So communication is really important,” she said. “With the expectations surrounding the Invitational, we really have to prepare so we can feel the pressure and execute properly when the tournament starts.”