The Phenom suiting up again, in the finals no less, would be awesome.
The Creamline Cool Smashers are back in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals.
The question is: Can Alyssa Valdez be ready in time for the finale?
When asked about Valdez's status in the aftermath of Creamline’s 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 win over the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the semifinals, coach Sherwin Meneses didn’t give a definite answer.
At this point, it’s all up to the doctors.
“Sa tingin ko kasi hindi namin pipilitin e. Pero kung ang doctors magsasabi na allowed siya maglaro, palalaruin namin,” said the soft-spoken coach of Valdez, who is still recuperating from a knee injury. “Pero as of now kasi medyo delikado pa. Hopefully makalaro si Alyssa.”
He added: “Hindi ko ma-straight sagot kasi doctor talaga nagsasabi sa 'min kung fit na siya maglaro.”
The good news is is that The Phenom's conditioning continues to improve. Meneses shared he likes what he sees from Valdez when the latter does some gym work.
“Pero sa tingin ko, sa nakikita ko sa exercises niya sa gym, maganda tinatakbo talaga. Hopefully makalaro talaga siya,” he said.
Valdez herself confirmed that it's up to her doctor if she would be given the go signal to play.
"I'm really praying to recover as soon as possible. We really have to wait for my doctor's approval," Valdez said.
The Phenom knows to trust the healing process, but also expressed her willingness to do whatever it takes to help her team.
"I would always fight for the team, be it inside the court, nasa bench or nasaan man... I'm really willing to do whatever it takes para mas makatulong sa team."
(Editor's Note: This article has been updated as of March 22, 10 am, to include the quotes of Alyssa Valdez from a post-game interview. With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)