Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez during the AVC Women’s Champions League.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez is honored to represent the country again, through the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Champions League, in front of an energetic home crowd.
Valdez proved she can still shine on the international stage as she delivered 10 points off seven spikes, two aces, and a block to beat Jordan’s Al Naser Club, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, in Pool A on Easter Sunday at Philsports Arena.
SCHEDULE: Petro Gazz, Creamline, PLDT at 2025 AVC Champions League
Alyssa Valdez on playing for the country through Creamline. #AVCChampionsLeague @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/EFmhPOYVLp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 20, 2025
The three-time PVL MVP never thought she would represent the country again since the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
But through the country’s hosting of the Asian club championship, she got her chance and showed her determination not just rallying the Cool Smashers but also the Philippines.
“Honestly, it’s overwhelming because I never thought I’d get to represent the Philippines again in any competition. So we’re really grateful—not just me, but the whole Creamline team, because we got here together. I’m overwhelmed, but also super excited and happy to represent again. It’s been a while since 2023,” said Valdez. “I was also with Coach Sherwin (Meneses) back in Cambodia, so it’s always special when I get the chance. All we want is to bring pride and honor to the country every single time.”
Licking the wounds of their PVL All-Filipino Conference finals defeat to Petro Gazz last week, Valdez drew strength from the energetic home crowd as Creamline fans formed a Philippine flag seating arrangement, wearing blue, red, white, and yellow.
READ: AVC preview: Meet the imports boosting PVL teams’ campaigns
“It’s always extra motivating when we have the Philippine flag on our chests and we’re also representing the Creamline Cool Smashers. That’s double the motivation and inspiration to fight today. It just feels amazing to play for the country. We always play like there’s no tomorrow because chances like these don’t come often. So we’ll grab the opportunity and do our best to represent the Philippines well,” she said.
The 31-year-old Valdez lauded their imports, with Erica Staunton making the most of her familiarity with 17 points. Ana Kudryashova and Nastia Kolomoyets also shone with nine and eight points, respectively.
“The team’s got a good balance now. Ana is younger and a bit more serious, while Nastia brings so much energy—even though she’s the more experienced one when it comes to volleyball. As a team, we’re learning a lot from both of them—not just in terms of skills, but also their character and the way they carry themselves on and off the court. They’ve been great additions to the team,” said Valdez.
Valdez and the Cool Smashers look to book a quarterfinal berth against Al Zhetysu of Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
Source link
