Alyssa Valdez (middle, first row) celebrates the Creamline Cool Smashers’ latest title. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite sitting out in the whole 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Alyssa Valdez was proud of the Creamline Cool Smashers’ successful title defense in their most challenging tournament yet.
Valdez, who missed the action due to the right knee injury she sustained last December, lauded the hard work and dedication of her teammates, resulting in its second straight All-Filipino championship and sixth overall crown.
“Grabe this series talaga. I’m just very, very proud of them. Since day one, I’ve seen them really work hard. They are super focused on our goal this conference,” said Valdez on the heels of Creamline’s 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 victory over Petro Gazz in the rubber match on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’m very proud and very happy that the team achieved whatever they worked hard for this conference,” she added.
The three-time PVL MVP provided a veteran presence on the bench and in practice for the Cool Smashers despite not being able to suit up.
“I really want to help the team in any way I can. And I really trust each one from our team that they will fight for each other, fight for everyone on the team and for our coaches. I’m confident with them,” Valdez said in Filipino.
The Creamline skipper said this challenging conference made the Cool Smashers stronger as Tots Carlos thrived in a new position and Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao also stepped up their game, while Jia De Guzman provided great leadership in her absence.
“I think it’s just different to be here in the finals and that we’re not complete health-wise, so at the end of the day, we had to find something to draw strength, purpose, and inspiration this conference and it’s really the struggles and challenges for the past months,” said Valdez. “That’s where we got our strength and that’s the reason why they became champions in this conference.”
Valdez hopes to return to action soon as she and six other Creamline players will banner the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.