The Phenom looked phenomenal when the game was on the line.
The Creamline Cool Smashers and the F2 Logistics Cargo always put on a show whenever they meet.
Their clash Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig was no different.
In a game marked by stunning ebbs and flows, pulsating exchanges, and compelling twists and turns, it was Creamline that came out on top, outlasting an inspired and very game F2 Logistics in five, 12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7.
Old reliables Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos did their thing as usual. But it was the captain, Alyssa Valdez, who ultimately saved the day for the Cool Smashers, who appeared on the brink of defeat in a wild fourth set. Up 20-10 and seemingly coasting to a deciding set, Creamline suddenly went cold, surrendering a commanding 10-point lead behind a spirited fightback by the Cargo Movers.
Then, with F2 at match point, 24-25, The Phenom did GOAT things, first saving match point before scoring 3 of Creamline’s next 4 points to push the ladies in pink to set point, 29-28.
Valdez, who chipped in 17 points on 16 attacks, then played setter, setting up Galanza for the set-winning kill to extend the match to a fifth and deciding set. Of course, she did.
It was all Creamline in the decider, as it raced to a 10-2 lead and never looked back.
After the match, Valdez revealed in the postgame interview why she, for the first time in quite a while, finally looked like the Valdez of old.
“I just really missed playing in the semifinals. It’s been a while,” said the 30-year-old former MVP, who missed the entire All-Filipino Conference after injuring her knee in the Reinforced Conference.
The Phenom, though, is not satisfied just yet—not with her exacting standards.
“Definitely a lot more to improve on, especially my service, my floor defense, my net defense. The attacks, I have to have variations. So, a lot of things [to work on],” admitted Valdez afterward.
An in-form Valdez should only bode well for the still-unbeaten Cool Smashers, who will next take on the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday at the same venue.