Valdez: Loss to PLDT a 'wake-up call'

WINNING comes with a price.

And a curse. Creamline has enjoyed success in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference as the 10-time Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champions won its first nine games to extend its PVL winning run to 19 overall.

The streak, however, ended on Saturday with a 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14 five-set setback against PLDT.

For Creamline star Alyssa Valdez, that loss against PLDT is a "wake-up call" for the Cool Smashers.

"Honestly, I think we've been through different losses throughout conferences, but that (against PLDT) was actually something that we called it as a wake-up call," the 31-year-old Valdez said.

"But we were humbled by that loss at the end of the day, so we worked hard, and made sure that we did our job well, and learned from that loss."

Creamline bounced back with a 25-15, 26-24, 25-19 victory against Galeries on Thursday to finish the preliminary round with a 10-1 record.

The Cool Smashers still ended up as the top team in the elims but the team's impregnability has diminished with that loss to PLDT.

"After that loss, we can say that we so much things, and many things to improve on as a team," she said.

On the other hand, a loss like than can jolt a powerhouse team from smugness and complacency.

"It was a good loss for us, if that makes sense," added Valdez, who flaunted her vintage form against Galeries with a double-double performance of 19 points and 17 excellent digs. The top seed Creamline will face Nxled, the 12th ranked team, in the next round.