Valdez excited to represent PH anew

(UPDATE) ALYSSA Valdez will get a chance to represent the Philippines in international volleyball anew at home, albeit in a club-based format, as her Creamline Cool Smashers will represent the Philippines at the AVC Women's Champions League.

The tournament will run from April 20-27 at the PhilSports Arena, the same venue where Valdez and the nationals played during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games women's volley tourney where they finished fourth and last.

Valdez, 31, expressed excitement for having the chance to play in front of the home crowd anew.

"I think the last time I played for the national team in front of our home crowd was back in the 2019 SEA Games," said Valdez, who last donned the national colors at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, to the media at the Mall of Asia where she was watching the Ateneo-FEU match in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tourney on Sunday.

"So, it's very exciting, it's just so nice to fight with our compatriots, so exciting times for Philippine volleyball. This isn't the only tournament we're looking forward to. There's a lot of international tournaments, especially the men's world championships here, so exciting times for Philippine volleyball."

Having represented the Philippines in five SEA Games editions and other international tournaments, Valdez said she's excited to showcase all the learnings in her experience as Creamline faces the top club teams in Asia.

"I take it as a big opportunity to showcase the things I've learned in my previous experiences with the national team, so yeah, very blessed to be given this opportunity, and I hope that we can give a good showing for the Philippines."