PVL: Injury fails to stop Alyssa Valdez in Creamline title win
Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate their latest PVL crown after ruling the Invitational Conference. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A gametime decision due to a sprained left ankle, Alyssa Valdez got the clearance to play just before Creamline’s winner-take-all championship game against KingWhale Taipei.
After winning her fifth championship with the Cool Smashers, Valdez revealed she needed to pass a hop test to show she can play in the final match of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Earlier when we arrived at the arena, I had my hop test to see if I can jump for today,” said the three-time PVL MVP in Filipino, who sustained the injury after an awkward landing in the third set of their semifinal five-set loss to KingWhale last Friday.
“After the game, yesterday, until today, we were just doing therapy. Icing and all the exercises. Before they allowed me to play I had to show that I can jump and do lateral movements.”
“I was able to do it. Thank God,” she added.
Valdez hardly showed signs of a bum ankle, spearheading the Creamline attack together with Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos to dominate KingWhale, 25-21, 25-19, 25-8, for their second straight championship of the 2022 season.
The injury didn’t stop the 29-year-old team captain, who won the Best Outside Spiker award, from delivering an all-around game with nine points, 13 digs, and eight excellent receptions.
Valdez expressed her gratitude to KingWhale for showing a never-say-die attitude that inspired her to play better.
“It’s just so nice to face a team with a never say die attitude. Very young, but not intimidated at all by any teams. That’s what we need as club teams. We just have to really go there, play, and play volleyball as it is, and enjoy it,” she said. “KingWhale players may be young, but they’re just playing the sport. They enjoy the sport. That was our mindset in this game that we have to enjoy and play our part in the team.”
The Philippine women’s volleyball team mainstay also relished their experience in the inaugural Invitationals for bringing in a foreign team, which spiced up the competition and pushed them to their limits.
