After winning the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers are now turning their sights toward the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup.
Shortly after the team defeated KingWhale in the finals, PVL President Ricky Palou announced that the Rebisco-backed squad has agreed to represent the Philippines in the continental tilt which is set to begin this August 21 at the PhilSports Arena.
Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez, who has been representing the Philippines for a long time now, said that she is very excited, especially for her younger teammates who have yet to wear the blue and red in international tourneys.
“I’m very excited lalo na for everyone lalo na sa team namin kasi not all we’re exposed or parang nabigyan ng opportunity to play for the national team,” said Valdez, who suited up in the 31st Southeast Asian Games.
“Now we’re given this opportunity as a team, as a club team, and we’re really glad na tanggapin yun and we’ll really try to maximize everything and learn from it as a team also and as an individual,” she added.
Also expressing their excitement towards the news are Conference MVP Tots Carlos and Finals MVP Celine Domingo.
Carlos said that she’s happy to be with her Creamline family in her first tour of duty with the national team while Domingo, who played for the youth team back in 2019, is looking forward to her return to the international stage.
“We’re really happy. Ayun nga, same with Ate Ly na not all are given the chance to represent or to be in the national team. We’re glad din na buong team yung dadalhin namin and we’ll really give our best na mabigyan ng magandang laro yung every team and we’re really excited talaga na mag-laro din,” said Carlos.
“Super happy. Under 21 or 23 so it’s been a long time sa Thailand. Personally, sobrang happy na I get to represent the country again and ayun. Talagang gagawin namin lahat to raise the flag of the Philippines,” added Domingo.
Despite the limited window for preparation, Valdez assured Filipino fans that the team will give their all come the AVC Cup.
“We’re looking forward. We’re very limited kasi e, yung preparation hindi rin kami masyadong nasabihan agad-agad but we’re just gonna give our best and hopefully all the Filipinos, all the volleyball supporters will be there to support us and welcome all the other teams,” said Valdez.
Aside from Valdez and Domingo, also set for their national team return are Kyle Negrito and Jema Galanza, who played with Valdez in the 31st SEA Games, and Jia Morado. Morado last suited up for the Philippines back in 2019 in the 30th SEA Games.
The Philippines will open its AVC Cup campaign against Vietnam on August 21, Sunday.
