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What did Alyssa Valdez and Micah Christenson talk about in their short meet?

Photo: JK Carandang/GMA Integrated News

It was volleyball star Alyssa Valdez’ turn to become a fan as she interacted with American and Japanese volleyball players on the sidelines of Volleyball Nations League’s Manila leg.

On Sunday, the last day of the Manila tour, Valdez had a photo opportunity with Japan captain Yuki Ishikawa and USA player TJ Defalco.

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She talked the longest, however, with USA captain Micah Christenson.

“He was telling me about the snacks the Filipinos have given them. I think one of his favorites is Napoleones daw,” Valdez said when asked about their interaction.

“Aside from that, he’s sharing about the qualifying stuff, the number of sets they need to qualify so they were kinda disappointed with the result but he was telling me that they need to practice more and rest for the Olympics.”

While Japan eliminated the United States in the VNL, both teams are set to see action in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A star in her own right, Valdez herself was overwhelmed when talking to foreign stars.

“It feels great. I think one of the most recognized volleyball players right now would be one of the best setters so I’m getting goosebumps and overwhelmed by the fact that they also recognize Filipino volleyball players,” she said.

With the VNL in Manila being an attraction to thousands of fans, Valdez hopes this would also translate to support other leagues like the men’s league Spikers’ Turf, where she serves as the president.

“Sa amin pa lang, ang dami na naming natututuhan, what more visually also, specially mga nagsisimula pa lang sa volleyball. Magandang exposure ‘to sa kanila, so hopefully mas maganda ‘yung ipakita natin and mag-improve tayo as a team and sana mag-start din ito na mas panoorin ‘yung Spikers’ Turf and volleyball games i-support natin as we support other teams,” Valdez said.

“I think we’re really one of — right now — we’re a volleyball country or a volleyball nation. Napakasayang makita na punong-puno ang arena. It’s so nice they’re both cheering for the USA and Japan in this game. Napakagandang scenario dito sa MOA Arena so we’re just hoping magtuloy-tuloy itong suporta ng volleyball community sa volleyball in general here in the Philippines and all over the world.”

[For us, we learned so much, what more visually also, for those who are just starting in volleyball. This is great exposure for them, so hopefully we are able to show something good and we improve as a team and hopefully this can be a start for more people to watch Spikers’ Turf and volleyball games, let’s support these as we support other teams. I think we’re really — right now — we’re a volleyball country or a volleyball nation. It’s so good to see the arena packed. It’s so nice they’re both cheering for the USA and Japan in this game. It’s a really good scenario here at the MOA Arena so we’re just hoping this support from the volleyball community continues in general here in the Philippines and all over the world.]