Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez. Photo from PVL Media Bureau
ANTIPOLO CITY – Creamline superstar Alyssa Valdez had mixed emotions after finally seeing action again in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
Valdez, who had been on the spotlight since her Ateneo days, admitted she was nervous after not playing in four months due to an injury.
But the three-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) gave credit to her team, saying they carried the weight—she just have to perform and do her part.
READ: Creamline makes history, clinches first-ever PVL Grand Slam
"Honestly, I was nervous a while ago talaga but super excited din, being part of the [14-person] lineup. I was super blessed nga kasi siyempre coming from an injury and iba rin 'yung nakasama sa lineup," Valdez said on Saturday after winning against Petro Gazz, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
READ: PVL: Valdez returns as Creamline opens 5-peat bid by sweeping Petro Gazz
"Sobra talaga 'yung kaba ko, but sabi nga ni coach [Sherwin Meneses] it’s a total team effort, so hindi mo talaga mafi-feel na may dala-dala ka. You just have to perform and bring yourself there to help the team," she went on.
The 31-year-old spiker also said her journey to recovery wasn't easy, enduring "hot and cold days" as part of the process of returning to her form.
"To be honest, it wasn’t easy. It’s hot and cold, may mga days na okay, may mga days na hindi talaga. It’s part of the process talaga, mas doon tumitibay yung loob, yung katawan," Valdez shared.
"Dun talaga nare-reinvent ko 'yung sarili ko. I saw volleyball in a different perspective that’s why I am glad to be back, and I am glad to join the sports again."
In her first game back, Valdez dropped four points on three attacks and a block.
She last played during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, eventually missing the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences, although Creamline went on to clinch a historic PVL Grand Slam.
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