Alyssa Valdez played a quiet — but crucial — role in the Creamline Cool Smashers’ title-clinching win in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference finals.

With Creamline on the brink of the championship, Valdez entered as a service specialist and delivered a steady serve before the rally ended with Tots Carlos blocking Vanie Gandler to seal a 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11 victory over Cignal in Game 2 on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

Despite a limited role in the finals, the three-time Lost Valuable Player embraced her contribution as the team’s veteran leader.

“I just want to enjoy playing volleyball,” Valdez said.

 

 “At this point in my career, I want to prove to myself that I’m here because I still want it and I still have it. I’m just very happy for my teammates and everyone who stepped up.”

Valdez said Creamline’s toughest championship run — playing multiple do-or-die games — showed the team’s maturity and resilience.

 

“I’d say this team is very seasoned,” the former national team star said. “We went through so many struggles this conference, but because we’re veterans, we were able to figure things out. Our finals didn’t just happen on the court. It started in practice. Everyone worked for this.”

After losing the title last year and missing the finals in three straight conferences, Valdez believes the latest championship redefined the Cool Smashers.

“It feels like we went back to our roots,” she said. “Our mindset was to rediscover ourselves and bring back the joy of playing.”