Alyssa Valdez rises for a hit to lead the Creamline Cool Smashers to their first win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
ANTIPOLO — Alyssa Valdez showed flashes of her lethal form to kick off Creamline’s ‘five-peat’ bid with a 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 sweep of Petro Gazz in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Ynares Center Antipolo.
Valdez, who missed Creamline’s historic Grand Slam in the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences due to a nagging knee injury, made an inspiring return scoring two of her four points to spark their comeback from an 11-13 deficit in the third set.
The three-time MVP’s return sparked an 11-2 run capped by Bea De Leon and Jema Galanza for a 22-15 advantage. Lorie Bernardo nailed three consecutive points to finish the game in an hour and 35 minutes.
Alyssa Valdez is back!
The three-time MVP, who missed the Reinforced and Invitationals, will suit up for Creamline.
Tots Carlos, though, is not in uniform.#PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/X38FmR3xiF
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 16, 2024
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025
“Super blessed lang kasi siyempre coming from an injury and iba pa rin kapag kasama ka na sa lineup, sobrang nahirapan ako, but sabi nga ni coach it’s a total team effort, so hindi mo talaga mafe-feel na may dinadala ka. You just have to perform, be yourself there, and carry yourself there,” said Valdez, who ended a four-month absence.
Valdez came off the bench, checking in late in the first set. She scored her first two points in the second set with a solid block and her signature cross-court hit.
Creamline Cool Smashers n the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 13 points off 10 kills, two aces, and a block to go with nine digs. Reinforced Conference MVP Bernadeth Pons delivered 10 points, 13 digs, and 13 excellent receptions, while Bea De Leon nailed six blocks to finish with 10 points.
Galanza, the Finals MVP of the All-Filipino, was pleased to see Valdez regaining her peak form.
READ: PVL: Creamline starts drive for No. 5
“Ngayon nakikita ko siya na happy nakakapaglaro. Yung dating siya kaunti na lang andon na siya ulit. Partida padagdag na yung age niya pero pabalik nanaman siya sa peak niya,” said Galanza. “Hindi naman nakakagulat na ganun yung pinapakita ni Ate Ly na laro kasi ganun naman yung tinetraining niya and ganun naman talaga siya maglaro.”
Kyle Negrito dished out 10 excellent sets and scored five points, while Michele Gumabao and Pangs Panaga also had five for their first win before taking on unbeaten Akari (2-0) next Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
READ: PVL: Alyssa Valdez all praises for Creamline teammates, system
“Sobrang saya kasi yung nangyari is talagang total teamwork ‘yung nangyari. Lahat nag-perform nang maganda, nang maayos. So yun yung naging result, nagkaroon kami ng una naming panalo,” said coach Sherwin Meneses.
Petro Gazz absorbed its first loss, following a big win over Choco Mucho last week, sliding to a 1-1 record.
Reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle carried the loads for the Angels with 18 points and 11 digs.
Petro Gazz also has a week before returning to action against Farm Fresh in Candon.