PVL: Alyssa Valdez credits teammates’ support for bounce back game

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez credited her “encouraging” teammates for bouncing back from an eight-point debut in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitationals.

After struggling in their four-set victory over Petro Gazz, the three-time league MVP displayed her lethal offense, scoring 13 points as Creamline swept PLDT, 25-22, 25-16, 25-21, for a second win on Saturday at San Juan City.

Valdez’s attacking was on point, hitting 13-of-28 in spikes to make up for her first game struggles.

“I’m just very thankful I’m with this team, they’re very encouraging. After that first game, we trained and focused on improving. My coaches and teammates really trust me (even coming off a bad game),” said Valdez in Filipino. “I also have to repay their trust by supporting them.”

Part of the group that encouraged Valdez was Tots Carlos, who top scored with 17 points, including the finishing touches on PLDT.

The reigning Open Conference MVP said the team’s trust starts with healthy competition in their team practices, which pushes them to do better in games.

“We’re a competitive team. Not just against our opponent, but also within our team. We have a healthy competition. Because all of my teammates are determined to execute, attack, and score points,” said Carlos in Filipino. “Our teamwork has been our strength because everyone trusts each other.”

Although she was able to bounce back to give Creamline its second win for the solo second place, Valdez said the Cool Smashers still have a lot of things to work on since they will face an unbeaten Cignal team, which has won three straight games, Thursday next week in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“We’re very happy (with the win). But at the end of the day, we still have a lot of unforced errors that could have been minimized during the match,” she said. “Hopefully, we can improve it as the tournament and season go. We’re gonna focus on the next game.”