Among the Philippine players, Alyssa Valdez knows the Thai players best. She has played in the Thailand Volleyball League as an import for 3BB Nakornnont aside from her numerous tours with the National Team.
So when the Philippines met Thailand in the 2017 AVC Seniors Women’s Championship, all eyes were on Valdez to carry the team.
Thailand, however, also knows Valdez and the Philippines well. The 10-time SEA Games champions eliminated the Philippines in their quarterfinals match-up.
Still, the Philippines feels optimistic about the way the players performed, according to Valdez. For one, Thailand used their best lineup against the Philippines — the same rotation they use in Olympic qualifiers and World Grand Prix.
“We’re also lucky as a Philippine team member na pinasok talaga nila lahat ng well-known na maglalaro internationally,” expressed the 24-year old. “We’re really inspired to them, motivated, to really just smash the ball, kill the ball and help the team but siyempre hindi naman maiiwasan na may mananalo at matatalo.
“Malaki talaga ‘yung tulong na nagagawa nila para sa amin kasi bago kami dito nagsamasama. Sila matagal na magkakasama so iba talaga yung confidence, iba yung nadadalang learnings nila.
“Para samin so we’re just really looking forward na ma-grasp namin lahat ng learnings at madala natin sa SEA games,” the Philippines’ ace spiker stated.
Valdez even had a chance to reconnect with 3BB teammate Kokram Pimpichaya.
“Oo, baliw yun eh,” Valdez said of their interaction. “Sila naman very friendly talaga they’re really trying to boost our morale din.
“Kahit we’re competitors inside the court but outside we’re all volleyball players who love the sport. So we’re just really looking forward na makalaban namin isa’t isa at i-push namin yung sarili namin. It’s a healthy competition.”
For now, the Philippines remains focused on finishing the tournament strong.
“Laban lang ng laban,” she declared.
“Alam mo marami tayong makukuha push lang natin yung sarili natin. Hindi mo alam bilog ang bola may nananalo, may natatalo pero dun tayo sa laging positive side na maganda ipakita natin at siyempre we’re hoping na manalo.”
