Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) — Creamline Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez on Thursday said she is very proud of her teammates for stepping up in her absence.
“I’m just very proud of them,” she said. “Since Day 1 I’ve seen them really work hard. Super focused sila sa goal this conference.”
The team defended its PVL All-Filipino crown after outlasting the Petrogazz Angels in the winner-take-all game three of the finals. Valdez missed the conference due to a right knee injury she sustained last year.
The phenom, however, said she remains hopeful she can return to action in time to join the national team in the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
“There’s always that chance naman and even if it’s a small chance I’ll grab it to help, kung ano makakatulong sa [if it will be of help to the] national team,” she said. “If tinawag tayo [If they ask us], if ready tayo, I’ll be there for the team.”.
Despite her injury, Valdez remains part of the national pool along with six other Creamline players Michele Gumabao, Tots Carlos, Jia Morado-De Guzman, Celine Domingo, Jema Galanza, and Kyla Atienza.
Valdez said their familiarity will also play a huge advantage as the team tries to break its 18-year medal drought in the regional meet.
