Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez during the PVL Reinforced Conference presser. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez is raring to return to action in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference with Creamline seeking to translate its international experience to a third straight title this 2022 season.
After missing the Cool Smashers’ back-to-back stints in the AVC Cup for Women in Manila and Asean Grand Prix in Thailand due to dengue, the three-time PVL MVP is excited to share the court again with her vastly-improved teammates Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Celine Domingo, Jia De Guzman, and libero Kyla Atienza, who put up a gallant stand against Asian teams last August.
“When I was in the hospital, I watched their games and they gave me so much energy and willingness to get back. I’m just really proud of their growth, and the maturity of the team I see in practice right now. They inspire me,” said Valdez in Filipino. “We’re banking on that this coming Reinforced Conference that experience internationally. Hopefully, we can give them a good fight, all the teams, this coming PVL.”
The Philippine women’s volleyball team star admitted she is still catching up with her well-conditioned teammates. But her coach Sherwin Meneses and the coaching staff have been helping her to regain her top form ahead of their title-redemption bid in the Reinforced Conference, which they lost to Petro Gazz three years ago.
“I’m just really grateful to be back on the court with these girls… Our coaching staff has been doing a really good job so I can catch up. I’m just really listening to them. I’m excited to contribute in any way I can this coming conference. It’s good to be back,” she said.
FILE– Creamline Cool Smashers. –PVL PHOTO
The Cool Smashers have a loaded rotation for the wing spikers with seasoned import Yeliz Basa joining Valdez, Carlos, Galanza, and Gumabao, but the Creamline skipper said she’s ready to embrace whatever role she will be given.
“It’s up to coach (Sherwin). What’s good about the team we’ve accepted our roles and we know that we only have one goal – to help each other and enjoy every match. We just really trust the system,” Valdez said.
“All the teams are well-balanced. With one import per team, the dynamics of local players this conference are very crucial. We’re just thankful for the well-balanced (competition). For sure, all the games are entertaining,” she added.
Aside from their bid to regain the Reinforced title, Valdez said her team is determined to complete the 2022 Grand Slam, but they are taking it one game at a time.
“Honestly, at the back of our heads while in training, that is the goal. But you can’t just go there in just one snap. We have to work harder, work smarter. Grand slam will always be there but that’s the motivation. All the teams are preparing well and their goal is to win. Our drive is to win also this coming conference,” Valdez said.
Creamline, which won the last two conferences, begins its Grand Slam bid against PLDT on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.