Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Alyssa Valdez, one of the most talented wing spikers of her generation, had no problems taking a step back during Creamline’s annihilation of Chef’s Classics in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
Creamline’s talisman still had her fair share of points with 16, but she spent most of her time in the service line in the Cool Smashers’ merciless three-set sweep of the Red Spikers, 25-12, 25-5, 25-15, Sunday at Filoil Flying V Center.
Valdez went to the service line 35 times, two more than what the Red Spikers had as a team and converted on seven aces.
“More than not committing an error, I wanted to get points from the service line because the training we do with coach Tai (Bundit) we always practice the important skill that is service,” said Valdez.
“I’m happy that I didn’t commit errors at the service line because it’s frustrating to give away free points due to serves.”
Valdez, though, didn’t mind taking the back seat as she gladly relinquished her usual starring role to Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao.
Galanza finished with 11 points going on 10-for-22 in her spike attempts while Gumabao had 10 points, including five blocks.
“It was unusual definitely but I’m really happy that everyone’s spiking,” said Valdez, who converted eight of her 12 spike attempts. “I really didn’t worry much because our mindset is to play as a team and do our individual parts.”