Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez admitted that the Cool Smashers caved into the pressure during the third set of their five-set victory over Chery Tiggo in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Heading into their crucial match against the Crossovers, Creamline needed to win in at least four sets to be able to secure its spot in the finals.
This, as Petro Gazz remained in contention after beating Cignal which tied them at the top spot with identical 2-1 standings with six points apiece.
Unfortunately, the Cool Smashers crumbled under pressure and lost the second and third sets of the game which eliminated them from finals contention. The loss also put a stop to Creamline’s grand slam hopes as well as their seven consecutive finals appearances.
“Well I think pressure came in. And, it's been a while since we felt that pressure. It's been a while na nabigyan kami ng ganitong situation also. I think we actually didn't get to handle it in such a way na as a champion team,” said Valdez.
“So, on us, on us. But, learning, we have to keep on learning. And iba-iba naman 'yung mga sitwasyon every time. So we're just really lucky to be in this situation. Actually, the privilege to feel that pressure and yeah, we're just grateful pa rin,” she added.
Still, the former league MVP said that she was very proud of how her team ended the game considering the circumstances.
“It's weird. It's kinda weird na even if we won the game, unfortunately, we weren't able to get into the Finals. But, we have to finish it. We have to respect the game, and buong Creamline team did that,” said Valdez after the win.
“So, I'm actually proud of the team also. And it's not over yet. I mean, we're also given this opportunity also to reflect on ourselves, on our team, and that's a very good thing for us. It's been a while since it happened. So we take it as a challenge also,” she added.
“What we did noong fourth and fifth set, we just let it all out. It was really free volleyball, we respected the sport.”
Valdez and co. plans to use this loss as motivation heading into their bronze match where they will face Chery Tiggo once more.
“We haven't felt this talaga na hindi kami lalaban din sa Finals, it's been so long. So iba rin 'yung matututunan namin coming into the bronze na game. So, we'll take it one game at a time talaga. And, That's why I feel like at the end of the day, pagdating namin sa next games namin, mas ganoon 'yung mentality namin,” said Valdez.
“Di pa nagsi-sink in siguro.”
