Alyssa Valdez awaits doctor clearance as she hopes to rejoin Creamline

Injured Creamline star Alyssa Valdez with Michele Gumabao. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez’s availability for Creamline in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals still depends on her doctor but she is raring to rejoin her team “as soon as possible.”

Valdez, who is still recovering from a right knee injury, is hoping to be with the Cool Smashers when they play their fifth straight All-Filipino Finals and eye a golden repeat in the conference.

But she needs clearance from her doctor.

“I’m really praying to recover as soon as possible also. [I’m grateful to the] support system from my team, from our management outside, also rehab. I’m really, really praying that I can help them in a different way,” said Valdez on the heels of Creamline’s 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 victory over F2 Logistics in Game 2 of the semifinals on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Hopefully soon. Now, that’s all I’m gonna say. We really have to wait for my doctor’s approval,” she added.

But the three-time PVL MVP said she will do everything for her team, regardless if she plays in the Finals or not.

“I will always fight for the team, be it inside the court or bench.  I’m really, really, willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. I’m always excited to watch their games. Hopefully, soon I can play,” she said.

Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Cup semifinals. –UAAP PHOTO

Coach Sherwin Meneses said they won’t force Valdez to play.

“We won’t force her but if the doctors will say that she’s allowed to play, we will let her. But as of now, it’s still risky,” said Meneses in Filipino. “Hopefully, Alyssa will be able to play. I can’t tell you straight because only her doctor can say if she is fit to play. But now, she is in good condition and her injury is healing. She’s doing good on her exercises at the gym.”

Valdez couldn’t be more proud of the Cool Smashers, who reached the Finals even without her, as wing spikers Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Michele Gumabao stepped up to the challenge.

“I’m very proud of them. Because for the past months, I’ve been on the sideline lang watching them train and prepare for games. I can see how they worked hard, they worked smart in practice,” she said. 

Even she is not playing, the Creamline star has been talking to her teammates during the huddle every game.

“It’s really just the small reminders, all the little things. Having played with them, I know what they do inside the court, and how they think. Being outside the court, I hope I can help them in some little ways,” Valdez said. “I really take time to talk to each and everyone, may it be Tots, MG. Hands down also to coach Sherwin for being able to disseminate information and instruction to all the players.”