PVL: Alyssa Valdez says Creamline caught off guard by key cogs’ absence

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez challenges the defense of Farm Fresh’s Royse Tubino and Ria Meneses in the PVL All-Filipino Conference in Santa Rosa, Laguna.–PVL PHOTO

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — Creamline wasn’t expecting to lose a big part of its core in a pivotal match against Farm Fresh in its first crack at punching a qualifying round ticket in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Cool Smashers missed coach Sherwin Meneses, who was hospitalized, while their two main outside hitters Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons sat out due to undisclosed reasons.

“Coming into this game, our mindset was really just to fight and give our all. There were things that happened that we couldn’t control—situations we didn’t expect that came all at once,” Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez told reporters in Filipino.

READ: PVL: Farm Fresh denies shorthanded Creamline’s top 4 bid

Alyssa Valdez after an undermanned Creamline side fell to Farm Fresh. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/EF7NhMbZ1m

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 17, 2026

“It’s definitely sad that we’re not complete. But even if they’re not here physically, we know they’re still supporting us. It’s a big adjustment.

Valdez stepped up with 14 points and 11 digs to backstop Tots Carlos’ 18 points, but it wasn’t enough as Creamline fell to Farm Fresh, 25-16, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, on Tuesday at Santa Rosa Sports Complex.

We all know Jema and Pons are among the top players in the PVL right now, so it’s a huge loss. But we’re staying positive that they can still help in other ways and come back stronger. We’re also sad that Coach Sherwin isn’t with us, and we’re praying for his fast recovery,” she added. 

The three-time PVL MVP, who has been coming off the bench in the past games, remained eager to help the team after losing back-to-back games, including a four-set loss to Akari last week

“I think I’ve been dealing also with some issues, but not really I’d say urgent in terms of I need to rest. So as of now, we prioritize also what the team needs most and what’s urgent so we can stay complete as a team,” said Valdez.

READ: PVL: Playing rivals brings out best in Alyssa Valdez, Creamline

The Cool Smashers missed a chance to seal a top-4 spot, where two berths to the semifinals are up for grabs. The 10-time champion club dropped to 5-3, tied with the red-hot Chargers in third place.

Valdez stays optimistic, as the Cool Smashers try again against second-running Cignal on Saturday at Filoil Centre in San Juan.

“For this tournament, we’ll just keep fighting and giving our best every game. Wherever that takes us, we’ll accept it. But we’ll still prepare hard for every match,” said the 32-year-old Valdez.

“But that’s how it is, there are things we don’t expect. We just have to be ready and keep fighting. That’s one of the things we’ve learned: to fight, give our all, and accept wherever we end up. What’s important is that we stay together as a team.”