Creamline star Alyssa Valdez admitted that she felt like a rookie in her first game in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) since the Reinforced Conference last December, when she incurred a knee injury in a battle for third match against Chery Tiggo.
Valdez, who turns 30 years old on June 29, made her PVL return on Tuesday, June 27 at the FilOil EcoOil Center, logging three points and 10 excellent digs to help the defending champs Cool Smashers defeat the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17.
"Honestly, I have to zone out because this is my first game. Honestly, I really don't know how to prepare for a game, except for the SEA Games but it's definitely different from the PVL, the nervousness and excitement is on another level," said Valdez.
Valdez sat out the entire All-Filipino Conference and played sparingly for the Philippine women's volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last May.
"I really felt 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 so it's really amazing that whatever happens the fans are there to support win or lose. I'm really grateful that we were able to give them a win."
Valdez said that she's in no rush to return to her old explosive form, applying the proverbial one step at a time approach. She added that she's not getting any younger and taking care of her body should be given more priority now more than ever.
In her road to full recovery, Valdez is grateful that she is supported by her teammates who remind her to just stay the course and trust the process.
"This is the longest that I've never played volleyball in my life. Seven months. They've just been reminding me to not rush it, trust the process, and take it one step at a time. I think it's really a mental challenge coming in knowing na I'm not getting any younger and I had my injury just recently also so I have to really take care of my body," explained Valdez.
"Whenever I'm fielded on the court, I need to be able to help the team. Hopefully, I can get back my fluidity and smoothness in terms of movement on the court. I know my teammates are there to support me and they really helped me big time in today's game. I also know they gave their best to support me whenever I'm on the court."
