Alyssa Valdez stressed that Creamline still has a lot of things to work on despite its rousing 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference debut.
Valdez formed a potent trio with Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza to dominate PLDT in straight sets, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22, for their first Pool B win on Thursday at Paco Arena.
"We're really thankful for the win. Kailangan din talaga maboost yung confidence namin as a team kasi what happened last year also siyempre medyo mabigat din yun sa amin," said Valdez, who scored 13 points.
Creamline proved that it made the right decision of keeping its core in its bid to redeem the PVL crown after overwhelming a PLDT side that recruited Mika Reyes and Kath Arado and several role players to reinforce with setter Rhea Dimaculangan.
But for the three-time PVL MVP, they still have a lot of things to improve as they move forward.
"Sabi ko kanina at sabi rin ng mga coaches namin marami pa rin kaming iimprove as a team as an indiviual," Valdez said.
"There are a lot of things to improve on our part. Coach Sherwin is always reminding us that it's all the little things na minsan nakakalimutan namin. So we have to always remind each other inside the court and work on our open communication and effective communication."
Valdez and the Cool Smashers wrap up its Pool B campaign against BaliPure (0-1) on Monday and Petro Gazz (1-0) on Wednesday, hoping to secure one of the two twice-to-beat advantages heading to the quarterfinals.
"For BaliPure, we're gonna assess their first game. Alam naman nating hindi sila basta basta bibitaw," Valdez said. "Every game really counts, every game matters kasi lahat ng teams balanse and we're so grateful na ganito kataas yung level ng competition." (DS)
