BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Alyssa Valdez had nothing but good words for her old friend Denden Lazaro-Revilla after Creamline’s five-set win against Choco Mucho.
After five years, the two shared the Taraflex once again.
And just like in 2016 when Valdez was with Bureau of Customs and Lazaro was with BaliPure, it was the former’s side that came out as victors. Creamline eked out a 18-25, 25-9, 21-25, 25-18, 15-6 thriller against Choco Mucho on Wednesday.
Never mind the result, though. The six-time V-League MVP was just thrilled to share the court with Lazaro-Revilla again.
“Alam mo naman si Den, kahit may blockers, pagdating sa likod alam mong kukuhanin niya,” said Valdez after Creamline’s nail-biting, five-set win against Choco Mucho that punched their ticket to the semis.
“Den’s very steady, very stable libero talaga. Isa din talaga siya sa nagli-lead sa Choco Mucho, lalo na sa floor defense. That’s why we commend talaga and hands down talaga kami kay Den.”
Valdez pummeled 22 points on 18 attacks, three aces, and a block. More than that, she did her best Lazaro-Revilla impression with 23 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions to lead Creamline to a 7-1 standing.
As everyone knows, the two Ateneo legends go way, way back and beyond.
The two spent four seasons together in Ateneo, leading the Lady Eagles to two consecutive champions. They did it in UAAP Seasons 76, where they took down a La Salle squad armed with a thrice-to-beat advantage; and 77, where they flat-out dominated the league with a 16-0 sweep.
Valdez and Lazaro-Revilla also teamed up in PLDT and BaliPure in the club level. Then the decorated libero went to the PSL while the former remained in the PVL.
Five years and a pandemic later, the two are back on the same court anew. Just that this time, they have different goals.
