Creamline rookie Aleiah Torres expressed her gratitude after finally getting an opportunity to play from head coach Sherwin Meneses in the team’s tight four-set victory over Galeries Tower in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
Picked last by the Cool Smashers in the first round of the PVL Rookie Draft, Torres didn’t see action in the first three games before the 27-25, 26-28, 29-27, 25-19 victory over the Highrisers, which saw her share libero duties with Kyla Atienza.
“Yeah, I think it’s just a great opportunity that he’s given me to be able to play on the court, trusting my abilities that I can play at this level… And even just the girls too, supporting me at every practice, and even today,” said the 22-year-old Fil-Canadian defensive specialist.
“They brought a lot of trust in me and support just for my first game. I really, really appreciated that,” she added.
Torres’ insertion into the lineup came at the right time with Creamline engaged in a tight battle against the upset-seeking Galeries.
The libero out of Brock University said that she wanted to bring good energy and positive vibes to the Cool Smashers, who were struggling to close out a Highrisers side in a game that saw three of the four sets go the distance.
“It’s been really good. I think I had lots of fun. I just wanted to bring lots of good energy and good vibes today. Just have lots of fun, play carefree. It’s a good thing that we won today,” said Torres.
“I think for me, I just like to never give up. I think the game’s never done until the last point. I always just believe in our team and everything that we’ve trained. We always bring forth our best. I just always believe in us,” she added.
Torres showed great composure throughout the match, especially in the tight opening set, which Creamline won narrowly.
Meneses was impressed with what Torres showed in this match and said that he is glad that she made the most out of the opportunity.
“Siyempre masaya ako sa performance niya kahit nung first set, ‘di talaga siya makahawak ng bola. Pero nakikita naman namin sa training na talagang may future ‘yung si Aleiah, hinihintay lang talaga ‘yung pagkakataon, ‘yung break mapunta sa kanya,” said the PVL champion coach.
“Hopefully, ‘yung first game niya na ‘to, mas marami pa. Next game, tingnan uli natin si Aleiah sa next game.”
