By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alyssa Valdez flashed old, deadly form and helped defending champion Creamline beat Cignal in an enthralling five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 24-26, 15-10, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Saturday night, July 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The trio of Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza wreaked havoc once again on their rivals and breached the 20-point mark for the first time in the extended match before another huge cheering fans.
Valdez, who has been nothing short of impressive in her return by consistently eclipsing her previous tallies, scored 22 points built on 18 attacks, two blocks and two service aces. She scored 18 the last time.
Reigning MVP Carlos posted a team-high 27 points highlighted by 25 attacks while Galanza added 21 points of her own.
The HD Spikers, though, also came to play as four players came through in double figures, with Ces Molina dropping 28 points in the losing cause.
Meanwhile, in a battle of visiting foreign club teams, Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze slipped past Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh of Vietnam in four sets, 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-11, in their debut clash.
Opposite spiker Tamaru Asaka carried out the onslaught for the Japanese with 29 points emphasized by 28 kills.
Asaka’s teammates Yano Yukino Taniguchi Saya had 17 and 10 points, respectively.
