Alyssa Valdez admitted facing longtime teammate Risa Sato felt different as Creamline defeated Chery Tiggo in Game 1 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
For years, Risa Sato had been a staple in Creamline’s roster with her infectious energy and steady presence, which helped shape the team’s championship culture.
But when the Cool Smashers took the court in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals, it was a different sight—Sato was on the other side of the net.
Creamline went on to win in straight sets against Chery Tiggo, 25-10, 27-25, 25-21, as they inched closer to securing their 17th straight semifinal berth.
For Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, seeing her longtime teammate in a different jersey was a surreal experience.
"Well, sa training naman nagkakalaban-laban kami siyempre, but it’s more weird for us yung makita siyang ibang kulay ng jersey," Valdez admitted to reporters.
Before the conference began, the Cool Smashers announced that they had approved Sato’s request for an early contract termination in October, amid her deal originally being set to expire in December.
Sato later made her move with the Crossovers official, citing familiarity as the case for her joining the Norman Miguel-led squad.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Risa Sato reveals reasons for Creamline departure, Chery Tiggo signing]
While it’s been months since Sato departed from the Cool Smashers, Valdez admitted that the Filipino-Japanese middle blocker’s departure left a void in the team.
"Risa’s been with the team for so long. We missed her so much," Valdez said. "But you know, we know changes happen. Kailangan na ng growth also."
Despite now playing on opposite sides, Valdez assured that their support for Sato remains unwavering—a testament to the family-like culture Creamline has built over the years.
"We’re just very, very happy, and we’re still gonna support her kung ano man yung gusto niyang tahakin in her career."