Valdez gets all pumped up

Returning Creamline star Alyssa Valdez is stoked to again take a piece of championship action after spending her time at the sidelines in the Cool Smashers' previous title run.

Back from a knee injury she sustained in December last year, Valdez is excited to join her teammates on the court as they try to retain the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference crown.

"I really miss this feeling. It's so much different to play and be here on the court playing with your teammates than not being able to suit up or even wear our jersey," said the 30-year-old skipper.

The unbeaten Creamline crew has already secured the first seat in the winner-take-all gold medal match scheduled on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Valdez has regained her old form since suffering a right knee injury in the 2022 Reinforced Conference battle for third and undergoing a procedure last February.

She averaged 16.6 points per game in Creamline's first three games in the round robin semifinal to help her squad advance to its second straight championship appearance following its All-Filipino Conference conquest.

Now back in the final, Valdez, who was reduced to a mere spectator on the bench in the all-local finals months back, hopes to continue contributing to the team.

"Whatever I could do to help, to contribute, I'll give my all in this coming final. Most especially, this is my… again, after that injury. I got injured in the (Reinforced Conference) battle for third, so it's very special to me," Valdez said.

Cool Smashers setter Jia Morado-De Guzman is also thrilled to have her long-time partner in crime Valdez back fighting for glory on the biggest stage of the country's first and only women's professional volleyball league.

"I'm very happy. Last conference, she was still there, she was still on the sidelines guiding us, helping us out, cheering us on, but it's different having her inside and contributing points, especially during crucial situations," De Guzman said.

"But I could rely on not just Ate Ly [Valdez]. Her return gave me another option inside the court because all of our spikers are reliable."

But the semis job is not yet done for the Cool Smashers.

Creamline will try to prime up for the final with a marquee showdown against tough Japanese club Kurashiki Ablaze today.

The unbeaten Japanese club is playing PLDT as of press time for the last championship seat.