Alyssa Valdez shrugs off frustration to propel PLDT to first V-League crown

PLDT Home Ultera celebrates after clinching the Shakey’s V-League crown. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Count on Alyssa Valdez to show that beaming smile even of hers even in times of adversity.

As her PLDT Home Ultera duked it out with Philippine Army for five sets, Valdez played it through and made it known in the Game 3 of the Shakey’s V-League Finals that even when she’s all smiles, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

“Even if I get frustrated, my teammates are there to help me,” Valdez said as they usurped the throne from the Lady Troopers Saturday at San Juan Arena. “I’m really happy for their support.”

READ: PLDT upends defending champion Army to wrest V-League crown

With the Ultra Fast Hitters leading 13-12 in the fifth set, Valdez had the chance to give them the match point but her shot went long and gave the Lady Troopers the 13-13 tie.

Fortunately for the tournament MVP, team captain Sue Roces and Finals MVP Jaja Santiago were there to put a smile on her face.

READ: Jaja Santiago claims V-League title for PLDT against sister Dindin

Valdez said that once she starts to feel frustrated, it can’t be helped if things go downhill for her. To avoid that, she often travels back to all the times she was in training where she was in full control.

“If I get frustrated, I’ll just feel guilty about it later on,” Valdez said. “Coach Tai (Bundit) and coach Roger (Gorayeb) has always instilled in us whatever happens it’s still not over.”

Even as the team’s unquestioned offensive leader, Valdez said the points are not for her but for her teammates who give it their all.

“The points I score are not for me, it’s for the team because every time I score I see my teammates smile.” CC