PVL: Creamline loss a ‘wake-up call’ says Alyssa Valdez

Creamline Cool Smashers during a game against Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — After Chery Tiggo ended Creamline’s 19-game winning streak, the Cool Smashers are taking their first loss in stride as they look to do better in their title-retention bid in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

Creamline’s eight-month unbeaten run, built by its 15-game sweep of last year’s second All-Filipino, was snapped by Chery Tiggo, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23, on Saturday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez believes that absorbing their first straight-set loss in five years since the 2019 Reinforced Conference opening game to Petro Gazz is an eye-opener for the team.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

“It’s been a while. and probably it’s really about time also for us to feel that way again so that there will be renewed energy and strength,” said Valdez in Filipino. “We’re claiming it to be one of the things to draw inspiration for this conference.”

Chery Tiggo Crossovers celebrate their win over Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–PVL PHOTO

It was Creamline’s first loss to Chery Tiggo since the latter beat the Cool Smashers in the 2021 PVL Bubble Finals Game 3 in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte to claim the maiden pro crown.

The three-time PVL MVP gave credit to Chery Tiggo for wanting it more, as they need to go back to the drawing board after sliding to a 4-1 record.

READ: Nierva’s defense leads Chery Tiggo upset of Creamline

“It’s better since we [experience this] early in the season. We learned a lot and we’re really gonna go back and practice to focus on what to improve and going back to the conference. Definitely, it’s really something, like a wake-up call for everyone and not to be complacent in this conference,” Valdez said. 

The Creamline skipper admitted that their locker room had “a very quiet” atmosphere but she knows this rare defeat will light the fire under her teammates.

“Lowing my teammates, it might be quiet, but in their heads they’re all like really thinking on what to do, on how to improve, on how to be better the next game,” Valdez said. “I believe in the competitiveness of everyone.”

Valdez and the Cool Smashers try to bounce back against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.