Is third time the charm for Alyssa Valdez? Volleyball star hopes to finally taste SEA Games medal

MANILA, Philippines—Is third time the charm for Alyssa Valdez?

From Singapore to Malaysia, Valdez had represented the Philippines eagerly in the Southeast Asian Games as part of the Philippine National Women’s Volleyball, even carrying the country’s flag in 2015.

Valdez, however, has yet to play in the regional games in her own country, until now.

The Philippines will host the 2019 edition of the Games and while the previous two stints hold a meaningful place in her heart, Valdez knows playing in home soil is going to be exponentially different.

“My first SEA Games is still special because that’s the first time I represented the country but the third one, which will be played in our home country, is one for the books,” said Valdez during the announcement of the national team pools Friday at Joy-Nostalg.

“I think this is one for the books, I won’t ever forget this one and I hope we can bring glory to our country.”

Even at 25, Valdez is already considered a veteran in the pool with her national team experience and she’s hoping that her third stint wearing Philippines’ colors will be the one that ends in a medal.

The country finished fifth in 2015 and inched closer to the podium in the 2017 tournament in Malaysia finishing fourth behind bronze medal winner Vietnam.

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“Hopefully we can get a medal that has always been our wish right? For the three years we’ve played in the SEA Games that was what we have been wishing for,” said Valdez.

“We’ve played in different tournaments since and we’ve also learned from those.”

It may give additional pressure, but playing in front of fellow Filipinos is a big boost and source inspiration once the Games start in November, said Valdez.

“I think we have to use this as an advantage and that we should feel in ourselves that we are capable of winning,” she said. “If we pressure ourselves to win a medal we would be tense but we should think around that and play inspired because of all the Filipinos supporting us.”