Alyssa Valdez, the esteemed 'Phenom' of Philippine volleyball, carved her name into the history of the sport once more during the Finals Game 2 of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
The thunderous cheers of the enthusiastic crowd at the iconic SMART Araneta Coliseum marked a record-breaking moment, heralding a new era for the sport in the country.
The showdown between Choco Mucho and Creamline attracted an astonishing audience of 24,459 passionate fans, surpassing the previous attendance record set in 2016.
The rivalry between De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University had held the record with 22,848 spectators during the decisive Game 3 of the UAAP Finals.
Now, in a captivating twist of fate, both historic events shared a common link—Alyssa Valdez.
The 2016 match witnessed a tearful Valdez bidding farewell to her collegiate career as her Lady Eagles yielded to their rivals. However, the 2023 encounter carried a sweeter taste of victory for Valdez, now adorned in the Creamline jersey.
Departing the Big Dome as a champion once more, she reflected, "Another sweet memory has replaced it... with more people watching, right?"
The Phenom expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, recognizing the significant growth in the popularity of Philippine volleyball.
Beyond the exhilarating triumph for the Cool Smashers, Valdez acknowledged the true winner of the night—the sport itself.
Hoping to contribute to more historic moments in the future, she declared, "I hope we can create more historic moments."
Her sentiments resonated with a genuine desire to witness the continued growth of both crowd support and the sport of volleyball in the Philippines.
In a match filled with suspense and drama, Alyssa Valdez's on-court presence in the crucial fifth set showcased her unwavering commitment to her team.
Despite spending the majority of the title-clinching Game 2 on the bench, Valdez emerged as the "Clutch Queen," delivering several pivotal attacks that sealed Creamline's seventh PVL title in 10 finals appearances.
Valdez's journey through the game mirrored a rollercoaster ride, from a starting role to being benched in favor of Bernadeth Pons, whose energy provided a boost for the Cool Smashers.
As the Flying Titans mounted a spirited comeback, Creamline's head coach, Sherwin Meneses, turned to the seasoned Valdez to steady the ship.
And steady it she did.
With Choco Mucho threatening to extend the series to Game 3, Valdez rose to the occasion, scoring five crucial points in the fifth set.
Her championship-clinching cross-court attack not only secured victory but also solidified her status as a legend in Philippine volleyball.
Valdez's humility shone through in her post-match reflections, emphasizing a one-point-at-a-time mentality and expressing gratitude to Coach Meneses for entrusting her with the decisive set.
Her performance was a testament to the indomitable spirit that has defined her illustrious career.
As the record-breaking crowd inside the Big Dome witnessed Valdez's clutch performance, the star athlete drew inspiration from the intense atmosphere.
Reflecting on the moment, she exclaimed, "Playing was so enjoyable!"
Indeed, it was more than a game; it was a historic night that transcended the boundaries of sport, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and the legacy of Alyssa Valdez in Philippine volleyball.
