By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alyssa Valdez admitted feeling like a rookie once again after finally making her return to the Creamline roster in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Tuesday night, June 27.
The Cool Smashers skipper shared she felt nervous and excited in her first game back from a right knee injury which she sustained during their battle for third place in the Reinforced Conference in December 2022.
“I really don’t know how to prepare for a game na kasi, except for the SEA Games, but it’s definitely different from PVL. Pero ‘yong kaba andoon. Iba rin naman ‘yong excitement na nafi-feel ko,” shared Valdez.
“Para talaga akong rookie, so I hope I can have that mentality as well. Being a rookie, just being myself and just enjoying the match and helping my teammates,” she added.
While Tots Carlos top-scored for the defending champions with 24 points in their straight-set win against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, the team has rightfully turned to Valdez for her leadership.
Valdez also captained the national team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last May, where she saw limited action.
The 29-year-old veteran spiker, who is about to celebrate her birthday on Thursday, June 29 during Creamline’s second game against new PVL team Gerflor Defenders in Pool A, felt as though she was back in square one after being away from intense competition due to her injury.
“It’s quite different talaga siguro this is the longest na I have never played volleyball in my life, seven months. And lagi rin lang nila nire-remind sa akin na wag akong magmadali. I really have to trust the process, one step at a time,” Valdez, who also tallied three points in her return, said.
“I really think it’s a mental challenge naman coming in also knowing na I’m not getting any younger. And I had my injury just recently also, so I have to really take care of my body,” she added.
Valdez said she’s ready to do everything she can to quickly return to tip-top shape and help the team in its title defense.
“Pag pinasok kailangan talagang ibigay lahat and sana makatulong pa rin sa team. Pero hopefully magamay ko na ulit ‘yong volleyball court and I really can’t wait na ‘yong smooth and may fluidity sa galaw ko rin sa loob ng court,” she added.
