Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alyssa Valdez didn’t want to leave anything to chance before she leaves Creamline to be with the national team.
In her last game in the elimination round Saturday, Valdez left her imprint with 30 points to lead the Cool Smashers over the defending champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors.
“I was super inspired to play in today’s game because you can’t really say what will happen the moment I return after my training [with the national team],” said Valdez.
READ: Valdez stars as Creamline takes down Pocari Sweat
The superstar skipper is set to miss Creamline’s next three games against the Power Smashers on Wednesday, University of the Philippines next Saturday and BanKo-Perlas on July 30.
The charismatic Valdez and the rest of the Philippine volleyball team are scheduled to leave for a training camp in Japan on Monday.
The 24-year-old Valdez hopes to be back in time for the semifinals, but that’s if Creamline makes it through minus its best player.
READ: Schedule conflicts inevitable with national team, says Valdez
Even at 4-0, the Cool Smashers still have to win one out of their last three games to secure a semis slot. Dropping all their remaining assignments could put them in danger of missing the playoffs.
“I looking forward to playing with my teammates because I won’t be returning until the semifinals,” Valdez said.
“We just really have to win as many games as we can without Alyssa,” said Creamline assistant coach Oliver Almadro.
Valdez is upbeat that despite her absence, her teammates will be able to deliver.
“I’m really confident with my teammates. We just need to inspire one another,” she said. “They will continue to fight for the team to make it to the semifinals.”