Alyssa Valdez on the sideline for the Creamline Cool Smashers of the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline stars Alyssa Valdez and Totz Carlos missed the first two games of the 2024 PVL Enhanced Conference due to “minor injuries,” but no specific timetable has been set for their return.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said the team is in no rush to get the two sluggers back.
“It’s a minor injury but I expect he’ll be back with the team soon. That’s what I got from the physiotherapist so it’s a minor injury,” Meneses said after Creamline’s victory over Farm Fresh, 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.
“There’s a timeline but obviously we’re not going to rush it and hopefully we can get them back soon,” the Creamline coach said.
PVL: Cream Line restarts Farm Fresh, recovers from opening loss
The Kool Smashers bounced back from a tough five-set loss to PLDT last Tuesday, as Erica Stanton and Michelle Gumabao poured in 26 and 21 points respectively to lift their team from a first-set deficit before winning the next four frames to improve to 1-1 in Pool A.
Stanton, who had 23 kills and three blocks to go with 14 digs, thanked Gumabao for guiding her on the court and team captain Valdez for sharing insights off the court.
“Alyssa also came up to me and gave me some tips on offense and defense. We really talked as a team and they helped me as well. I just got here and it’s my first international game so I want to watch the veteran players and get their advice and see what they’re seeing even though they’re on the sideline or injured and have a great eye and a lot of wisdom,” the younger American said.
Read: PVL: Creamline’s Erica Stanton has lots of room for improvement
“I’m going to listen to them, learn from them, take on board any feedback they give me and try to improve my game and play smarter.”
The Creamline was also without Gemma Galanza and Zia de Guzman, who are with Alas Pilipinas on a two-week training camp in Japan in preparation for next month’s SEA V-League.
Meneses was gifted the win on his 42nd birthday, but his hope is that the strengthened conference will remain healthy and successful in its bid to end a six-year title drought in the import-heavy tournament.
“I hope the team will perform well and stay healthy. The most important thing is to avoid injuries. We already have several players out with injuries and I hope they recover quickly and return to the game,” said Meneses.
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Creamline will be looking for their second win in Pool A when they face Nxled on Thursday.
