SANTA ROSA — Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez believes that their first loss in almost eight months is exactly what the Cool Smashers needed in their title-retention bid in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Cool Smashers had remained undefeated since the finals of the Invitational Conference last year.
But they suffered a shocking straight-set defeat versus Chery Tiggo, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23, on Saturday – putting an end to their precious 19-game winning streak.
It also marked the first time that the Rebisco-backed squad suffered a sweep after almost five years, which dates back to the 2019 Reinforced Conference.
“Wow, it’s been a while and probably it’s really about time also for us to feel that way again,” said Valdez, who was limited to five points in two sets of play.
“So that may renewed energy and strength kaming pagkukuhanan ng motivation. So we’re claiming it to be one of the… Siguro one of the things na pagkukuhanan namin ng inspiration this conference,” she added.
Valdez also pointed out that the quality of play has vastly improved since 2019, giving credit to the Crossovers for their impressive performance.
“Well, what I can say siguro the quality of games now, it’s really entertaining, interesting. Everyone’s really keeping up and ganda talaga ng nilalaro ng bawat teams, so siguro my reaction to that after five years,” said the former PVL MVP.
“It showed naman in the game. and well, I guess that loss also against Farm Fresh gave them a boost and ‘yon, they really played well today,” she added.
“Hands down to them. But definitely, we can’t just settle as Creamline. So we gotta keep up and be more in this conference.”
The 30-year-old former PVL Best Outside Spiker said that the loss – happening midway into the elimination round – comes at a great time for the Cool Smashers.
For her, it will give them enough time to assess their play and address their miscues.
Valdez also believes that it will serve as a good wake-up call for the team, who is looking to capture their sixth All-Filipino Conference title this conference.
“Definitely it’s something na, siyempre, it’s very… Siguro, how do I word it, I’d say, siyempre first time din ulit namin after a long while na hindi rin namin nakuha ‘yung panalo. So, medyo, talagang maraming pinag-isipan, ano, saan nagkamali,” said Valdez.
“But definitely, I think maganda din ‘to at least kahit papa’no, early at in the season. And I would say dami din naming natutunan kahit ganun,” she continued.
“So we’re really gonna go back and practice. I guess ‘yon na ‘yung magagawa namin – we have to focus on what to improve. But definitely, it’s really something na wake-up call for everyone and not to be complacent in this conference.”
