In the 30th Southeast Asian Games women’s volleyball tournament, the all-around brilliance of Alyssa Valdez is undeniably one of the Philippines’ lethal weapons in its arsenal.
Valdez was a force to be reckoned with in the Nationals’ first two matches against Vietnam and Thailand, respectively, posting double-double outings in succession. But in the match between the Philippines and Indonesia on Saturday, the former Ateneo superstar’s performance conspicuously dipped.
The perennial national team campaigner only managed two points — her SEA Games-low.
On the heels of Valdez’s dismal outing, team captain Aby Maraño admitted that stomach pain was the culprit.
“Tiyan. Nag-aacid,” Maraño bared moments after their fourth-set loss to Indonesia.
“May iniinda siyang masakit. ‘Di rin natin gustong pwersahin siya.”
Maraño then disclosed in the post-game presser that Valdez’s stomach illness has been tormenting the open hitter since the game prior to Indonesia.
Yes, the epic match between the Philippines and long reigning queen Thailand where Valdez poured in a team-high 14 points and 12 excellent digs.
Still, Maraño assured that Valdez will be there to backstop the Philippines until the end.
“‘Di naman natin pwedeng nahihirapan na ‘yung player tapos pipilitin at lalong lumala ‘yung karamdaman. Pero ang maganda naman, nandiyan si Alyssa. Pinipilit niya kahit may nararamdaman siyang masakit.”
