‘Valdez has been an inspiration,’ says Gorayeb

For Philippine head coach Roger Gorayeb, Alyssa Valdez is not only his unquestioned best player.

Alyssa Valdez. FILE PHOTO

Valdez is the team’s inspiration.

“She’s been an inspiration,” Gorayeb said of his team captain.

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Despite sustaining an injury in her right thumb in the second set of the Filipinas’ opening loss to Iran, Valdez had a valiant effort and finished the four-setter with 31 points.

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Gorayeb said that he will gauge Valdez’ injury if she can play on their second match on Saturday.

He added that Valdez will never complain in practice or in games.

“You will never hear her say that she doesn’t want to play anymore,” Gorayeb said.

“We will continue to play, but it’s very different if Alyssa is on the floor.”