Alyssa Valdez made her return to Creamline's lineup for Game 1 of the best-of-three semifinals against Chery Tiggo, demonstrating that a well-deserved rest can have remarkable effects on the court.
Just a week ago, in the Cool Smashers' final match against Galeries in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference eliminations, the three-time league MVP chose to sit out, strategically opting for rest over play to prepare for the crucial semifinals.
Fresh from her break, Valdez exhibited her skill by scoring an impressive 12 points against Chery Tiggo, pushing the Cool Smashers one step closer to securing a spot in the finals.
At 30 years old, Valdez openly acknowledged the importance of load management in her career, understanding the significance of staying healthy, especially as she faces the challenges of aging in a professional league.
"Being in a professional league, it's very important to be healthy throughout the season," shared 'The Phenom' during a post-match interview after the Cool Smashers' decisive straight sets win against the Crossovers on Thursday.
Reflecting on past experiences, Valdez emphasized the lessons learned from Creamline's ability to play until the last game in previous conferences. "That's what we realized and picked up from past conferences, with Creamline being able to play until the last game," she continued.
Creamline's consistent presence in post-season festivities of the PVL is no accident. Having graced the podium in all 13 conferences they participated in, the Cool Smashers' dominance is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
In the last 10 conferences, Creamline reached the finals in all but one—the 2022 Reinforced. Alyssa Valdez attributed this success to the exceptional coaching of Sherwin Meneses and the open communication he maintains with the players.
"Coach Sherwin has that instinct. It's not given to all coaches. We're just very glad that there's such open communication with us. Very professional, indeed," praised the Ateneo legend.
Acknowledging the reality of aging in professional sports, Valdez commended the coaching staff's support and understanding of the players' need for self-care. "Come to think of it, we're really not getting any younger, let's face it, right coach? But with this kind of care, we truly understand that we need to take care of ourselves and our bodies, and we're very glad our coaches are there to support us."
As Creamline continues its quest for glory in the PVL, the strategic balance between rest and performance, coupled with effective communication, emerges as a winning formula for sustained success on the volleyball court.
