(Photo grabbed from Alyssa Valdez’s Facebook page)
While the skies poured, the warmth of Ilocano support was more than enough to fire up Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the latest leg of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) preseason tour.
Facing Akari at the jam-packed Chavit Coliseum on Monday night, Creamline delivered an inspired performance, taking a four-set win, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, to complete an unbeaten Vigan swing.
“The energy here is unreal,” Valdez said after the game. “It’s my first time in Vigan, and despite the rain, we felt nothing but sunshine from the fans.”
Valdez, who has been with Creamline for nearly a decade, finished with 16 points and 18 excellent receptions. She was backed up by veteran teammates Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza as the Cool Smashers improved to 2-0 — matching the record of fellow contenders Cignal, whom they’ll face in a much-anticipated showdown on July 1 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
But for Valdez, this tour is about more than just the wins.
“Being able to play in front of different communities across the country is such a gift,” she said. “This tour is a way to reconnect with fans, and honestly, to thank them. They’ve been supporting us for so long, and we wouldn’t be here without them.”
The former three-time Conference MVP shared how the tour also allows her and the team to immerse in local culture — from historical sites to regional delicacies.
“We’re athletes, but we’re also Filipinos who enjoy discovering what our own country has to offer. I had a great time getting to know Vigan — not just through the fans, but through its food and stories,” Valdez added.
Following a runner-up finish in the last All-Filipino Conference, Creamline has been working on rebuilding team chemistry. Their Vigan victories showcased the promise of their rookies, Sheena Toring and Nica Celis, who are easing into the system after just a few weeks of training.
“We’re far from our peak, but this is a great start,” said Valdez. “We’re embracing the challenge of building again, and I’m proud of how our new players are blending in.”
As the PVL on Tour continues its journey to bring volleyball closer to communities beyond Metro Manila, Valdez hopes the momentum carries not just Creamline, but the league itself to greater heights.
“Volleyball is alive in every corner of the country. That’s what this tour proves — and it’s just the beginning.”