Alyssa Valdez hopes for healthy PVL season as competition rises

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Alyssa Valdez. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) went through a massive shakeup this offseason with signings left and right and Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez only has one wish after all of it.

Injuries are part of the game and with the pressure rising for several volleyball stars, Valdez wished that no one gets hurt amid a high level of competition.

“You know, mine and everyone’s wish is everyone would be healthy because everyone’s so competitive now, right? That’s the only thing we’re wishing for because with the high level of competition, the pressure’s there because a lot of players moved. Everyone wants to prove something, everyone wants to get the title so everyone will be grinding intensely,” said Valdez, who dealt with a knee injury last year, in Filipino during the PVL Media Day on Monday.

“I know all the players are doing extra efforts to show their best performances in this conference so hopefully, everyone’s healthy. We’re praying that everyone gets to play a hundred percent in this conference and all throughout the year.”

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez during #PVL’s Media Day. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ddOVZHmqde

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 12, 2024

A huge chunk of players’ movements stemmed from the disbandment of F2 Logistics last year, leaving some big names to move elsewhere.

Some of these are former Cargo Movers Kianna Dy, Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron, who are now signed with PLDT.

Apart from former F2 players, movements were also made by former Choco Mucho notables Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, who are now with Valdez at Creamline.

“Honestly, in our team it’s the first time that we added some names. We lost some, but I think that part’s very exciting, you get to know other players.”

“Of course, that brings added pressure to us who were with the teams way before because we feel challenged to show who deserves to be here. We also want to prove our roles in the team and I think it’s a very healthy competition.”

Of course, one of the names that Valdez referred to in the “lost some” statement is Ced Domingo.

Domingo is currently playing for Nakhon Ratchasima in the Thailand League but things will be very different when she comes back home.

Just last month, Domingo parted ways with Creamline and signed with the Akari Chargers.

Despite that, Valdez still treasured the time she had with Domingo and said she’s “really looking forward to playing against her,” soon.

“I’m very proud of her. She’s doing great in Thailand alongside great athletes there and I hope she gets a lot of learnings there so she can bring it to the Akari Chargers.

“Our bond is beyond the volleyball court so whatever she’s up to, we’re just going to support her and we’re really looking forward to play against her and it will, for sure, be a healthy competition but I just can’t wait to see how much she’s grown as a player and as an individual.”