Jaja Santiago makes PVL return with Creamline ahead of US stint

Jaja Santiago gives the Creamline Cool Smashers a big boost in the PVL Invitational Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The rich got richer, as Jaja Santiago joined powerhouse Creamline for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

Michele Gumabao, the Cool Smashers’ veteran, first posted about the signing of the 6-foot-5 middle blocker on Friday.

“Since naguunahan nalang din tayo (Since we’re just trying to beat each other to it anyway). Welcome to the Team Jaja!” Gumabao, who has let slip some of Creamline’s recruits in the past, said in a Facebook post.

Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa as a Japanese citizen, is set to make a comeback in the PVL after five years since she dominated inside the bubble and delivered Chery Tiggo’s first pro crown after beating Creamline in an epic Game 3.

In the same season, Santiago won the Conference and Finals MVP and a Best Middle Blocker Award after being nearly unstoppable in the tournament.

Santiago will provide a big boost to the winningest PVL club, teaming up with Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, and Kyla Atienza and forming a formidable frontline with Pangs Panaga and Bea De Leon.

The former longtime Japan SV.League import recently signed with the San Francisco Signal in the League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the United States. The LOVB is set to begin in January.

The SV.League Best Blocker is currently on vacation in the Philippines and even said she’s keen on returning to the PVL during her interview at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Pasig Leg.

Creamline, which seeks to reclaim the Invitational title after a two-year drought, has two remaining PVL on Tour games in Santiago, Isabela against Capital1 on Saturday and Victorias City against Galeries on August 22.