Alyssa Valdez expects the Creamline Cool Smashers to get their bearings back after suffering back-to-back losses in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Alyssa Valdez is staying positive despite Creamline’s tough 25-16, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 loss to Farm Fresh in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.
Valdez stepped up with 14 points and 11 digs to support Tots Carlos' 18-point outing, but the 10-time champions still fell short as they slipped to a 5-3 record.
The loss also prevented Creamline from securing an early spot in the qualifying round, where the teams will battle for two outright semifinal berths.
Despite consecutive setbacks, Valdez said the Cool Smashers remain focused on fighting through the challenges together.
"Coming into this game, siguro our mindset is really to fight and give our all," Valdez said after the match.
"There are instances that we couldn't really control, a lot of scenarios for our team na we really didn't expect na gonna happen in a snap na magkakasabay."
The Cool Smashers missed head coach Sherwin Meneses, who was hospitalized, while fellow star spikers Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons also sat out due to undisclosed reasons.
Valdez admitted the absence of Galanza, Pons, and Meneses forced the team to make major adjustments.
"It's definitely sad na hindi kami ganun kakumpleto. But in presence naman, alam naman namin na nandito rin sila supporting us," she said.
"We all know that Jema and Pons are the top two, most especially sa stats in the PVL now, so malaki, malaki ‘yung nawala talaga."
[ALSO READ: Returning Jema Galanza expects Creamline to find rhythm after PVL All-Filipino opener]
Still, Valdez emphasizes the need for Creamline to push forward.
"We really have to be prepared and we really have to fight. Siguro isa 'yun sa mga natutunan namin, we have to fight, we have to give our all," she said.
Valdez also shared that she has been dealing with minor physical issues herself, but is ready to keep stepping up as the Cool Smashers navigate the crucial stretch of the tournament.
"I think I’ve been dealing also with some issues, but not really I'd say urgent in terms of kailangan bang ipahinga," she said.
"So as of now, we prioritize also ‘yung urgency ng mga bagay-bagay kung ano ‘yung mas kailangan sa team."
Creamline will try to bounce back quickly as it faces second-running Cignal on Saturday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.