Valdez powers Creamline to 1st win

Alyssa Valdez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

It took her two game days, but Alyssa Valdez sure made it known that she’s back.

The highly popular open spiker helped Creamline redeem itself from an opening-day loss by trouncing Philippine Air Force, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Center.

Valdez was firing from all corners to overwhelm the Jet Spikers, unloading 21 points including 18 attacks and three aces.

“Finally, we won,” said Valdez. “I think the key was our improved skills, attacks and defense and everyone made an effort to score the win.”

The Cool Smashers played without coach Tai Bundit, who is focusing on the Ateneo side that lost to La Salle in the opener of the UAAP women’s finals.

“Let’s support Ateneo this Saturday,” said the former Ateneo stalwart, referring to Saturday’s Game 2.

Unlike in its loss to Perlas, Creamline rallied behind Valdez with rookie setter Alex Cabanos clearing the firing lines for her and veteran Ivy Remulla helping out.

Remulla scored four straight aces to help Creamline wrap up the opening set despite trailing for most of the frame and lagging behind, 9-16.

But Valdez took over in the second set, scoring six straight points to break a 13-13 deadlock through back row attacks and service aces.

It was Air Force’s second loss in three games.