Alyssa Valdez is keeping expectations grounded as Creamline braces for an even tougher semifinal stretch in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference — one defined by familiar foes and past defeats.
After grinding through a pressure-packed route just to reach the Final Four, the Cool Smashers now find themselves in a precarious position: facing teams that have already beaten them earlier in the conference.
“Most of, if not all, of the teams na nasa semifinals, ‘yun yung nakatalo sa amin din sa eliminations and qualifying round,” Valdez said after clinching their semis berth following a win over the Akari Chargers.
“So it’s a very interesting semifinals for us, and we really have to work harder and smarter sa semifinals.”
Creamline’s campaign has been anything but smooth. They opened with a straight-sets loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, before stumbling again against the Farm Fresh Foxies in four sets — a result that nearly derailed their postseason positioning.
The Cool Smashers managed to regroup just enough to survive a five-set thriller over the Cignal HD Spikers, only to see the same squad turn the tables in the qualifying round, pushing Creamline into a dangerous play-in path.
With their season on the line, however, Creamline responded when it mattered most, taking down the Akari Chargers in four sets to secure the final semifinals ticket. Valdez once again led the way.
The three-time MVP posted 20 points, 19 excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions, stepping up amid injuries to key teammates and carrying much of the floor leadership responsibilities.
For Valdez, the stretch has been defined by a survival mindset.
“Halos every game kasi, do-or-die yung games, so siguro mentality ko coming into every match is to give my all talaga. There’s nothing to lose na eh. Basta ibigay mo yung — I think yun yung nasa isip ko. Kung ibigay mo lahat, wala kang ititira; may reward ’yon. Kung ano man yung reward na yun, sa dulo ko pa malalaman,” she said.
“Sa past few games, kahit papaano, binibigay namin lahat. Naka-dalawang panalo kami, isa, napakaganda rin nung game against Cignal. So ganoon lang yung mentality. Kung ipapasok, kung ano, gagawin lang yung trabaho at ibibigay buong puso.”
