LUPIT ng Comeback ni Alyssa Valdez, Lakas pa rin pumalo. Creamline vs King Whale Highlights

Valdez says Game 1 felt unfamiliar without De Guzman

Alyssa Valdez discovered herself on unfamiliar ground during Game 1. This time, the three-time league MVP embarked on the finals court without her longtime companion, Jia De Guzman, marking the end of a five-season streak.

Jia De Guzman, currently showcasing her prowess with the Denso Airybees in Japan, might have been physically absent, but her spirit resonated strongly. In a heartwarming gesture, a recorded call from De Guzman echoed through the SM Mall of Asia Arena’s jumbotron just moments before Game 1 commenced, a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond between the two athletes.

Valdez admitted that the absence of De Guzman brought a distinct atmosphere to the high-stakes game, considering they had been inseparable on the court since their college days. Yet, in the face of this challenge, Valdez applauded the exceptional performance of Kyle Negrito, who stepped into the shoes of the eight-time Best Setter.

“It’s my first time to play a Finals with Creamline without Jia, so it feels different for us. But we’ve been playing with Kyle as well. We miss Jia because her composure in big games is different. But we’re happy for her, seeing the great performance she’s putting up in Japan, and we look forward to reuniting, whether on or off the court,” Valdez shared after the thrilling 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22 victory over Choco Mucho on Thursday night.

Despite the absence of key players like De Guzman and Ced Domingo, currently showcasing his skills in Thailand with Nakhon Ratchasima, Valdez commended the remarkable growth and maturity of the Cool Smashers. Reflecting on the journey, she acknowledged the challenges faced and the evolution of the team’s identity.

“One thing I can say is the tremendous growth and maturity of everyone. We’ve been through a lot, and there was a conference where I was absent, and Jia was there. The setup of what happened to us was beautiful, and now, regardless of who coach puts in, we have a distinct identity,” Valdez remarked.

She emphasized the importance of sticking to the system and expressed immense pride in the team’s self-awareness and cohesion. As the Cool Smashers continue their journey in the PVL Finals, Valdez’s solo flight becomes not just a narrative of adaptation but a testament to the resilience and unity that define Creamline’s pursuit of victory.