Filipino-Canadian libero Aleiah Torres is selected by Creamline in the PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-Canadian Aleiah Torres is embracing the pressure that comes with joining the most successful and popular PVL team Creamline ahead of the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Torres realized her dream to be part of the PVL after Creamline drafted her as the 12th overall pick — its lone rookie — on Monday evening at Novotel.
“There’s definitely a lot of pressure but as my coach back home in Canada said, pressure is a privilege so hopefully, I just get to hopefully enjoy this opportunity and deal with whatever comes my way,” the rookie libero told reporters. “It’s definitely a really big fanbase and I’m really looking forward to meeting all the fans and being part of just like one big happy family.”
READ: Fil-Canadian libero makes case for roster spot in PVL combine
Meet the newest Creamline Cool Smasher, Aleiah Torres. #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Gqa8bVsZC2
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 9, 2024
The 5-foot-4 Torres seeks to contribute to Creamline’s success as the Cool Smashers are raring to end a six-year Reinforced Conference title drought, following a bronze medal in 2022 and runner-up finish in 2019.
“I think it’s just a great opportunity to be able to be a part of this team and be able to learn from other people who have been in winning situations so hopefully, I can bring my talent, my skills to their team and hopefully, add to their winning streak,” she said.
Torres solidifies Creamline’s floor defense as she joins liberos Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Kyla Atienza, and Ella De Jesus.
READ: PVL: Creamline’s Jema Galanza likely out of Reinforced Conference
Torres, whose parents lived in Cavite and Tarlac, is excited to play in front of her relatives when she debuts in the PVL, joining Filipino-foreigners Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips of Petro Gazz, Savi Davison of PLDT, and her Filipino-Japanese teammate Risa Sato.
“It’s super exciting. You know, a lot of my family here hasn’t been able to watch me play in Canada so it’s definitely a good opportunity for them to be able to watch me live and play professional volleyball here in the Philippines,” Torres said. “I think it’s just gonna be a good competition on the court and hopefully, I get to see them and play against them and just be able to bring my skills to the team.”
Creamline opens its campaign against PLDT on Tuesday at Philsports Arena. They are slated in Pool A with Chery Tiggo, Farm Fresh, Nxled, and Galeries Tower.