Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Bali Pure could only heap praises on its conquerors Pocari Sweat despite losing in the semifinals.
And at the forefront of that parade are the Purest Water Defenders’ star players Alyssa Valdez and Grethcel Soltones.
“They really deserve the win. They trained so hard. Ang tagal na nila nag-training as a team and we can’t find any excuse naman kung bakit kami natalo. They really fought like a team,” said Valdez, the three-time UAAP MVP.
“Sobrang deserving nila and I’m happy for them, added the San Sebastian spiker Soltones.
Both agreed that chemistry truly was the difference maker in the all-important Game 3, as Pocari Sweat clipped Bali Pure in four sets, 15-25, 27-25, 25-11, 25-23 on Monday.
“They’re super composed, unlike us na hindi pa talaga nag-jell. Yun ang pinagkaiba, yung composure as a team,” said Soltones.
“They had teamwork today. They had everything today, so they won the game,” Valdez added.
The duo gave it their all but could only muster a combined 34 points in the sorry defeat.
Valdez, though, is hoping that this wouldn’t be the end for the Purest Water Defenders.
“We’re really happy na nagkaroon kami ng chance na mag-teammates ulit. Siguro nagkaroon lang kami ng
pagkukulang also sa team, pero ganun talaga,” she said. “We’re hoping lang na mabigyan pa ulit kami ng pagkakataon na maging isang team and makapaglaro ulit sa mga ganitong tournaments.”
“This is just the start for team Bali Pure naman, this is the first time naman na sumali and mag-form kami ng isang team, and we’re just hoping for the best.” Mikaela Calilong/ Philippine Daily Inquirer trainee