The Cool Smashers come up with yet another Top 3 finish in the PVL. But fans hold their breath as they await an update on Alyssa Valdez’s injured knee.
The Creamline Cool Smashers capped off their 2022 PVL campaign with a bronze medal finish in the Reinforced Conference, following a four-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-15, 25-19, 23-25, 25-21.
Jia de Guzman, who was named Best Setter of the conference, led the way for the Cool Smashers as she set up five Creamline players to double digit scoring in the win. De Guzman finished with 26 sets on top of 4 points.
The Cool Smashers looked poised to win in straight sets, however, injury struck for Creamline as Alyssa Valdez landed badly on her right knee after going all out to save the ball early on in the third set. Valdez was unable to return to the match as her knee had to be iced and protected with an immobilizer.
Without one of its stars, Creamline took the opportunity to show its poise.
“Siyempre malaking bagay si Ate Ly samin when it comes to yung pag-cheer sa mga teammates,” said Tots Carlos. “Wala namang nagbabago kasi sa training lahat naman kami ginagawa yung pare-parehong drill, pare-parehong pwesto, so pag-pinasok kami, iisa lang naman yung sistema.”
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said Tuesday that they expect to find out more about Valdez’s injury today.
“Hindi ko pa alam eh kasi nakita ko siya nakakalad naman, pero hindi ko rin masasagot pa eh,” said Meneses. "Pero sa tingin ko, nakakalad naman, hopefully sana walang serious injury.”
Luckily, Valdez and the rest of the Cool Smashers will have plenty of time to recover after a grueling year.