By Rachel Gonzales

Alyssa Valdez has found balance between reflection and preparation as Creamline gears up for a do-or-die clash against Akari for a semifinal berth in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

Valdez turned back the clock with another vintage performance of 18 points, 20 excellent receptions, and 19 digs, but Creamline fell to Cignal in five sets, 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15, at Smart Araneta Coliseum before the Holy Week break.

 

Photo: PVL

Now with their backs against the wall, Valdez observed a meaningful Holy Week while staying locked in for the crucial match.

“This whole week, we’ll probably take time to reflect, but at the same time, we’re still focused on the PVL and this conference,” she said.

 

“Hopefully, if our schedule allows, we can also spend time with our families.”

The 32-year-old has stepped up for an undermanned Creamline side in recent games, highlighted by a 22-point outing in their five-set win over Cignal in the preliminaries that earned her Player of the Week honors.

 

Photo: PVL

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but both teams gave it their all. Cignal just had the edge late in the game,” she said.

“There was frustration, of course, but we don’t have time to dwell on it since we have games coming up right away.”

Creamline faces a familiar challenge in Akari, which defeated them in four sets earlier in the conference. 

 

Valdez hopes the team can turn things around in a more crucial setting as they navigate a tougher path toward another title.

“We’re using this challenge as motivation to improve and strengthen our team chemistry,” she said. 

 

“Our mindset now is to review our mistakes, correct them, learn from it, and move forward to the next game.”