Two years after the last time she played with a Philippine flag on her jersey, Creamline Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez could not hide her tears as they defeated Al Naser of Jordan in straight sets, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League.
Valdez showed her vintage form in the opening set, where she scored six points as she finished the game as the second-best scorer with 10, behind import Erica Staunton, who had 17 points.
“Very overwhelming for me, just because I think it never crossed my mind to represent the Philippines again in any competition. But, we’ll take this, not just me, but the whole Creamline Cool Smashers, because we’re here because of the whole team din,” she said after the match.
“But [I’m] very overwhelmed, but very excited and very happy to be able to represent. It’s been a while since 2023. I’m with Coach Sherwin also back in Cambodia, so it’s nice to always be given that opportunity.
In 2023, Valdez and the rest of the Creamline Cool Smashers represented the Philippines at the Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they finished fourth.
Valdez added, “Extra motivation talaga having the flag on our chest and representing as well Creamline Cool Smashers. Doble-doble ‘yung motivation and inspiration to fight today. It’s just so nice to play for the Philippines. We play like there’s no tomorrow all the time because these chances, opportunities given to us, hindi naman all the time, so we’re gonna grab it and try to represent the country well.”
Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers will face Zhetysu Volleyball Club of Kazakhstan on April 21 at 7 pm.
