Alyssa Valdez shows she's still part of Creamline's campaign, even while not wearing a jersey.
Time and time again, Creamline Cool Smashers captain Alyssa Valdez has shown she is an integral part of the defending champions' 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign, even while she's not wearing a player's jersey.
During a timeout during Game 2 of the semifinals against the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, Valdez walked up to Tots Carlos, took her arm and spoke briefly. The reigning MVP nodded in acknowledgement. Valdez then walked to Jema Galanza as well, whispering in her ear, before moving on to Michele Gumabao, raising a finger for emphasis.
Creamline won the match in straight sets, the first time they were able to do so against F2 Logistics. The victory gave the Cool Smashers a berth to their eighth finals appearance in the PVL.
"I think it's just really small reminders, all the little things," Valdez said after the match. "When I'm playing inside, 'yun 'ding 'yung gusto kong marinig sa teammates ko."
"I'm just very, very happy to see this actual na naa-apply. I'm very proud of them."
This is not the first time Valdez has been giving advice from the sidelines. Co-captain Jia De Guzman shared how Ate Ly's advice came handy when the Cool Smashers lost a set to the Akari Chargers in Iloilo.
"Having played with them way back, so alam mo na rin what they do inside the court, how they think," Valdez noted. "Ngayon nasa labas ako, I hope I can help them in some little ways."
It also doesn't hurt that Valdez is also working as an analyst in volleyball matches, such as UAAP Season 85.
She's also admits to speaking a lot more with Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
"Hands down to coach Sherwin for being able to disseminate information and kung ano ang instructions," she said.
And when Valdez is not doing analysis or pitching advice to her teammates, she's an avid fangirl of the squad.
Creamline will await the winners of the do-or-die Game 3 semifinals between the Petro Gazz Angels and the PLDT High Speed Hitters.