Alyssa Valdez shines for Creamline Cool Smashers in Cagayan de Oro. –PVL PHOTO
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Inspired by the roaring 9,862 fans here, Alyssa Valdez shone in her first full game in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference to keep Creamline unbeaten in seven games on Saturday at Aquilino Q. Pimentel International Convention Center.
Valdez delivered the goods with 13 points and 10 excellent receptions for the Cool Smashers’ 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 victory over PLDT that put them closer to clinching a semifinal berth.
With the Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses making the most of his deep rotation this 11-game elimination round, Valdez remained patient with her reduced playing time in the past game before flashing her deadly form in the City of Golden Friendship.
“Whatever role that’s given to us in this team, we’ll take it. As of now, that’s the role we need to play and I think it’s a nice healthy competition also in our team. It’s an advantage especially since it’s a very long [conference],” said Valdez shortly after the win.
“I’m happy that I was able to contribute to the team somehow. While I’m used to playing every game, but health is wealth. We want that we’re still eager up until th end. Patience is a virtue and we just have to help each other. When we are called, we’ll do our role.”
END OF SET 1: Creamline 25, PLDT 23
Wild crowd here in CDO! #PVL2023 #PVLOnTour @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/1fmiDPhAcp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 18, 2023
The three-time PVL Most Valuable Player received loud cheers from the ecstatic spectators and Valdez expressed her gratitude to the fans from Cagayan de Oro and other towns, who drove their way to the mountain-top venue.
“We’re grateful because it’s not an easy task for all the teams we are flying in and flying out. We also have trainings here,” Valdez said.
“We wanna also thank the fans, we’re very grateful that we got it in straight sets, ” she said. “Definitely, it’s a confidence booster coming into the next few games. it’s still a long conference, there’s still a lot of games left but we’re very, very thankful. Thank you to the people of CDO for all their support.”
Alyssa Valdez rises for a hit. –PVL PHOTO
Jema Galanza, another crowd darling, also paced Creamline with 12 points, five digs, and five receptions, Michele Gumabao had 10 points, as setter Kyle Negrito made 15 excellent sets on top of six points.
Tots Carlos only played in the second set, where she scored four points. Bernadeth Pons was in uniform but didn’t play.
“The first set was close, we were looking at how the situation favors us. But knowing Alyssa is inside, her leadership will shne, We’re happy we got it in three sets especially we’re closing in on the semifinals berth,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
PLDT dropped its second straight game and slid to a 5-3 card in fifth place.
Savannah Davison carried the load of the High Speed Hitters with 14 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Erika Santos had 11 points in another loss.