Alyssa Valdez explosive in her return for Creamline. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — After missing the action for two months, Alyssa Valdez showed no rust in her first game back for Creamline in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Valdez, who was out of commission for two international tournaments due to dengue, conspired with Turkish spiker Yeliz Basa and Ced Domingo as Creamline edged PLDT, 25-22, 25-18, 26-28. 25-22, on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
“Honestly, I got goosebumps every shout of the fans and every time my teammates score a point,” said the three-time PVL MVP in Filipino after tallying 17 points, 13 digs, and 13 receptions.
Valdez missed the Cool Smashers’ national team stint in the AVC Cup for Women last August where Creamline-laden roster still finished sixth.
The Creamline captain joined her squad in Thailand but still didn’t play in the Asean Grand Prix last September.
The 29-year-old is elated to be back in action again since helping the Cool Smashers win the Invitationals.
“It was my first time to miss a lot of tournaments this year so I was really happy to get back and it’s just so nice to be back getting the win also,” she said.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses praised Valdez after her impressive comeback, playing well with Basa.
“We don’t rely on our import. Our team is always about team effort, especially that Alyssa is back,” Meneses said. “Yeliz’s willingness to win is always there. She scored the crucial points for us. Hopefully, next game her game will come out.”
Creamline will have an early 2019 Reinforced Conference Finals rematch with defending champion Petro Gazz on Tuesday.