Alyssa Valdez has been finding her form for the Creamline Cool Smashers as they head to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals.
As Creamline marches into its seventh straight PVL Finals, team captain Alyssa Valdez remains steadfast in her journey back to top form—both physically and mentally.
The Cool Smashers secured their 7th straight Finals berth after sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Thursday, April 3.
Valdez finished with 11 points and seven excellent digs, continuing to show glimpses of her old self throughout the semifinals. But for the 32-year-old spiker, the road to full recovery is still a work in progress.
“Honestly, I feel like my body says ‘kaya ko,’ but mentally, it’s been really tough to be on that other side of the court struggling with injuries,” Valdez told reporters after the match. “Iba rin talaga, and hands down to all the athletes who have been very, very hardworking to get back on court.”
Valdez returned to taraflex at the start of the conference after sitting out several months due to a persistent knee injury, which forced her to miss out on the Cool Smashers’ grand slam run in 2024.
Despite the challenges of returning to her MVP form, Valdez is taking it one step at a time.
“I would say malayo na pero malayo pa,” Valdez added.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez opens up on injury recovery, embracing change: 'I'm finding myself again']
For the fifth time in the last six years, Creamline will battle Petro Gazz for the championship, setting the stage for another intense rivalry showdown.
While the Cool Smashers dominated the Angels in the elimination round, Petro Gazz stunned the defending champions in the semifinals, evening out their head-to-head match up in the conference.
[ALSO READ: Petro Gazz, Creamline renew rivalry in championship series for PVL All-Filipino crown]
“Sabi nga natin, iba-iba 'yung story ng mga nangyayari every Finals,” Valdez said. “Nandun na rin 'yung kaba, nandun na rin 'yung excitement, but facing a different challenge right now is something that we take and we accept.”
“After a very long time of being in the Finals, siyempre maganda rin 'yung iba-iba ang challenges na naibibigay—behind the scenes and dito on the court,” she added.
With Creamline determined to defend its title and Valdez steadily regaining her best form, the Cool Smashers are ready to embrace the battle ahead.
Game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals between Creamline and Petro Gazz begins on Tuesday, April 8.