Alyssa Valdez calls for unity in Philippine volleyball

Alyssa Valdez of the Philippines attacks the defense of Vietnam during their women’s volleyball match in the 29th Southeast Asian Games. The Vietnamese prevailed, 26-24, 25-12, 25-23. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES POOL

KUALA LUMPUR — Alyssa Valdez wants a united Philippine volleyball.

“I hope we add more players and we become open [minded]. I hope we become united,” said Valdez in Filipino. “This is the start of good relations in Philippine volleyball.”

Without pointing that out, she’s referring to the protracted cold war between the top commercial leagues in the country, the well established Premier Volleyball League and the more dynamic Philippine Superliga.

“As a team we need to train together. Play together in different places in the country or abroad,” said Valdez. “Other teams spent years to win medals here.”

She added she wants to “move forward” to the next Southeast Asian Games.

The highly popular spiker, who made 17 points as the Philippines lost bronze medal to Vietnam, said she’s committed to play for the national team in more competitions in the future.

READ: Philippines falls to Vietnam in bronze medal match

“It’s not an issue. Every athlete when given the opportunity to play for the country will do so all with her heart,” said Valdez.

She is batting for a Philippine team with new additions and longer preparation.

In the 2019 SEA Games, to be hosted by the country, Valdez said: “There won’t be any excuses anymore. We’re playing in the home soil. We will give our 110 percent.”

The Philippine team was formed just three months ago and trained in Japan before playing, and placing eighth, in the Asian Championships days before the SEA Games began.

The Nationals, she said, were just on the receiving end of beating from tough teams like Vietnam and Thailand.

“We’re are just taking it all in,” said Valdez. “Hopefully, we gain from this.”