Valdez looks at failed title bid as motivation to work harder

Alyssa Valdez and the Bureau of Customs. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Playing for the first time in a team that featured a lot of familiar faces, Alyssa Valdez considers Bureau of Customs’ run as an overachievement.

“For a first timer, to make it to the Finals being with a new team siyempre it’s a great feeling. Siguro this should serve as a motivation and inspiration for us to work harder,” she said after her squad’s four-set Game 2 loss to Pocari Sweat.

The Transformers succumbed to the Lady Warriors to surrender the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference Finals.

READ: Lady Warriors rule

But for the MVP, she’s happy to see her team make great strides this season-ending conference.

“I’m really proud of my teammates. Siguro may kulang lang, we’re lacking something so we have to work hard
to get back to the Finals again,” she said.

With Pocari Sweat’s defense focused on her, Valdez was limited to a season-low 10 points in the series clincher.

Though disappointed with the way the game turned out, the former Ateneo star resigned to the fact that on Monday, Pocari Sweat truly was the better team.

READ: Alyssa Valdez wins 3rd V-League MVP

“We have to accept that they won the game talaga. It’s a game, so someone’s gonna win and someone’s gonna lose. Today, Pocari won and we’re on to the next, we’ll try harder next time,” she said.

Valdez added that this failed attempt will only fuel her to continue working hard as she aspires to win a championship with this promising Customs crew together with young Thai imports Kanjana Kuthaisong and Natthanicha Jaisaen.

“Hopefully, we’ll meet very soon again. Sana bumalik pa sila and sana nag-enjoy sila sa V-League,” Valdez said of the Transformers’ reinforcements.

READ: Valdez goes for tough last mile

“Sobrang bata pa nila. We hope na natututo sila dito sa paglalaro nila sa Pilipinas. As young, teenage volleyball players, we’re hoping na marami silang natutunan and sana may na-share tayo kahit na culture natin dito sa Philippines.”