AS Alyssa Valdez turns 30 today, the ace Creamline spiker acknowledged that she is not getting any younger and that she has to take even better care of her fitness.

“I think it’s really a mental challenge coming in, knowing that I’m not getting any younger and I had my injury just recently. So, I have to really take care of my body,” said Valdez.

It has been six months since Valdez last played in a Cool Smashers jersey after injuring her right knee in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference third-place series last December.

Finally playing her first full game for Creamline in the Invitational Conference, Valdez scored three points and collected 10 digs as a starter as the defending champions swept Chery Tiggo, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17, at the packed Filoil EcoOil Centre Tuesday night.

Valdez was simply elated to be back in the taraflex floor.

“It’s quite different talaga. Siguro this is the longest time that I’ve never played volleyball in my life. Six months,” said Valdez, who was named team captain of the national team in the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Asian Games but saw limited action.

“They always remind me not to rush and I really have to trust the process, one step at a time. So, that’s it,” she added.

The long lay-off, according to Valdez, made her feel like a rookie again as she tried to reboot her game.

“Honestly, I really don’t know how to prepare for a game anymore, except for the SEA Games, but it’s definitely different from the PVL. But whatever needs to be brought, the nervousness is there, it’s a different kind of nervousness and excitement,” said Valdez.

“I really feel like a rookie, so I hope I can have that mentality as well, being a rookie, just being myself and enjoying the match and helping my teammates. It’s really amazing,” she added.

For the Cool Smashers, they are simply glad to see a healthy Valdez playing.

Creamline hopes to give Valdez a fitting birthday present with a victory as it tangles with debuting Gerflor in the lone Pool A match at 1:30 p.m. at the San Juan arena.

In Pool B, Sisi Rondina will make her much-awaited indoor comeback with Choco Mucho, which will face newcomer Farm Fresh at 4 p.m.

Comebacking Foton, led by Shaya Adorador who was fresh from her solid stint in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women, takes on PetroGazz in the nightcap at 6:30 p.m.

Games today

(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
1:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Gerflor
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh
6:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Foton

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado