Alyssa Valdez repays the trust.
It has been refreshing for volleyball fans to witness Alyssa Valdez return to form for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference, after suffering a knee injury back in December.
Last Saturday, Valdez proved her determination and floor defense as she risked her knee and limbs to save this ball for Creamline against the Akari Chargers. That turned into a lucky point.
The Cool Smashers immediately went to their captain's side to hug her and check on her.
On Thursday in the semifinals, Creamline showed just how much trust was placed in the Phenom.
For the last play in the fourth set, with the entire match on the line, coach Sherwin Meneses chose not to field any setters.
It was Valdez who became the setter and tossed it to Jema Galanza to force a fifth set on the way to victory.
"Sobrang na-miss namin yun. Matagal din nawala si Ly pero sa sobrang laki ng tiwala namin sa kanya, alam namin made-deliver niya," Meneses told reporters after the match.
Valdez had 17 points, along with eight excellent digs.
"Lahat ng hard work these past eight months has been doing wonders on my game," she said. "More than that, it's the support of my team. I'm inspired to keep on going because of them."
"Alyssa is Alyssa," Meneses said, prompting Valdez to lay her head on his shoulders and playfully hit him.
"Ano ba gusto mo, coach?" Valdez asked affectionately.
Creamline will return to action on Saturday in the round robin semifinals against the Cignal HD Spikers.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)