Creamline Cool Smashers’ star Alyssa Valdez expressed joy in competing against former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles volleyball player Faith Nisperos as they face off in the Premier Volleyball League under their respective teams, Creamline and Akari Power Chargers.
Valdez expressed regret that she and Nisperos didn’t have the opportunity to play together for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP. However, she expressed gratitude for the chance to finally face Nisperos in the professional league.
“Medyo tumatanda na rin talaga tayo,” Valdez said. “Hindi ko na inabutan si Faith sa UAAP, but I am cheering for her sa Ateneo then during those times. It is just so nice na kahit papaano nagkaabot kami dito sa professional level.”
Valdez, now 30 years old, concluded her stint with the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 78 back in 2016, while Nisperos remained with the Ateneo women’s volleyball team from UAAP Season 82 until 85, which concluded earlier this year.
Valdez added that the inclusion of rookies in the league brings benefits not only to the newcomers themselves but also to veteran PVL players like her. She explained that the presence of rookies creates a challenging environment and provides an opportunity for experienced players to learn new things from the younger generation.
“Alam mo andami rin naming natutunan sa mga rookies na dumarating, and hopefully ang mga rookies madami rin sila matutunan sa mga veterans na naglalaro dito sa PVL,” Valdez said.
It’s so nice to see her perform and played well in the PVL, kaya can’t wait for her na pahirapan din ‘yung other teams,” added the many-time national women’s volleyball team skipper.
During the post-match press conference, Nisperos, who was present alongside Valdez, expressed her desire to have made her idol proud in their first-ever encounter. The match, which was won by the Cool Smashers, ended with a scoreline of 25-19, 24-26, 26-24, 25-19.
“I was very excited kasi dating pinapanood ko lang, makakalaro ko na. I was very excited at the same time, challenging yun for me kasi sa sarili ko naman, now I’m here at the same stage as her, ano ba yung mapapakita ko?” said Nisperos.
“Sa performance ko today, I’m really glad naman sa nagawa ko. Of course, we didn’t get the win; that’s what really matters naman, pero as a team naman, meron pa kami matututunan,” added Nisperos, who had 18 points in the loss.
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