Creamline star Alyssa Valdez. Photo from PVL Media Bureau
ANTIPOLO CITY (UPDATED) – Creamline started its five-peat bid on a triumphant note as Alyssa Valdez made a phenomenal return on Saturday after missing two conferences in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
The Cool Smashers also seem to have ended their "out-of-town curse" after sweeping Petro Gazz, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Valdez, who was sidelined for four months due to a minor injury, was finally subbed in during the finishing moments of the opening frame, marking her comeback. She contributed a total of four points on three attacks and a block when the dust settled.
"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," said Valdez after her first game back in the PVL. "You just have to perform and bring yourself there to help the team."
The defending champions rode on a 14-3 run in the final canto — three of those in the endgame came from Lorie Bernardo — to complete the straight-sets victory against their perennial rivals, who now dropped to a 1-1 win-loss card.
Jema Galanza, another former MVP in Creamline, took the Player of the Game honors after leading the offense, listing 13 points on 10 attacks, two service aces, and one block with nine excellent digs.
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Reinforced Conference top plum recipient Bernadeth Pons also had an all-around game, logging a triple-double of 10 points, 13 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, while middle blocker Bea de Leon also defended the net, chipping in six block points and tallied a total of 10 points.
"Sobrang saya kasi ‘yung nangyari is talagang total teamwork ‘yung nangyari. Lahat nag-perform nang maganda, nang maayos. So ‘yun ‘yung naging result, nagkaroon kami ng una naming panalo," said Creamline mentor Sherwin Meneses.
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Reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle paced the defeated side with 18 points on 16 attacks, a block, and an ace, also signing on for the defense with 11 excellent digs.
Creamline takes on Akari exactly a week from now in Candon City, while Petro Gazz eyes a bounce-back win at the same game date against Farm Fresh.
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