A huge setback struck the Philippine Women's National Volleyball Team two days before the start of the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women.
The team's heart and soul Alyssa Valdez will miss the entirety of the tournament due to dengue fever.
And with that being the situation, everyone from the Philippine squad, represented by PVL champion Creamline, helps fill the huge shoes left by Valdez.
Seldom-used players Lorie Bernardo, Rose Vargas, and Pau Soriano got the appreciation of the fans at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday after contributing in the win against South Korea.
Constants for the Nationals are Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, and Michele Gumabao, showing out in the losses against Vietnam and China, as well in the triumphs against Iran and South Korea.
"Isa na rin sa inspirasyon namin si Ate Ly ngayon na hindi namin nakakasama so yun talaga yung pinanghuhugutan namin," said Galanza after clinching a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Philippines' two straight wins surely help and delight Valdez while still recovering from the dengue fever, knowing that her team is in good hands.
This will be the country's best finish ever in the tournament regardless of the outcome of the knockout rounds. The Philippines was ninth in 2018.
"Alam mo 'yun pag nanonood siya mas lumalakas 'yung katawan niya ngayon," added the 2019 PVL Open Conference MVP.
Up next for the Philippines will be a familiar foe in powerhouse Thailand on Saturday at 8 pm.
And for Galanza and the whole team, they know what to expect from the Thais, the 13-time defending champions in the Southeast Asian Games.
"Thailand kasi buo na talaga since sobrang tagal na rin so kami mas focused lang kami sa sarili namin, 'yung mga kailangan namin itama."
"Siguro 'yung puso na lang din talaga sa laro."
