Alyssa Valdez expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of Creamline fans in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, after leading the Cool Smashers to a 2-0 record in the PVL on Tour.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR—Even after nearly a decade with Creamline, Alyssa Valdez still marvels at the unwavering support from fans—this time in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Valdez led the Cool Smashers to a second straight win in the PVL on Tour, delivering 16 points in Creamline’s four-set win over the Akari Chargers, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, at the Chavit Coliseum, Monday, June 23.
Beyond the victory, the three-time PVL MVP reflected on the connection between the team and its supporters, especially after a raucous Monday crowd showed up in full force.
“Alam mo, it’s very overwhelming at the end of the day na hanggang ngayon, simula day one hanggang after how many years—mga eight years na ata na naglalaro ako sa Creamline—ganito pa rin kainit 'yung pagmamahal ng bawat Pilipino and bawat volleyball fans sa buong Pilipinas, so maraming maraming salamat po,” Valdez told reporters.
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Despite the rains, Creamline was met with warmth by Ilocano fans—a reception not lost on Valdez, who was making her first visit to Vigan.
“Maulan po dito sa Vigan, pero napakainit po ng pagtanggap nila sa’min,” she added.
Valdez also emphasized the significance of the PVL on Tour, viewing it not just as a competition but as a means to connect with fans nationwide.
“I think it’s one way of giving back to the fans,” she said. “They help the sport grow in our country. It’s also a way of reconnecting to our roots. It’s so nice to see the culture, taste the local food. I’m just very, very happy.”
With a 2-0 record in Pool B, Valdez hopes that Creamline’s solid start will continue, especially as they head towards other parts of the country in the coming weeks.
“Hopefully ito lang ‘yung start and marami pa kaming mai-improve samin and maraming bago, so sana mas marami pang mga bago and mas aabangan sa’min ‘yung mga teams,” said Valdez.
Up next for the Cool Smashers will be the also-undefeated Cignal HD Spikers on July 1 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.