Creamline's Alyssa Valdez and Chery Tiggo's Risa Sato. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Creamline's Alyssa Valdez admitted Tuesday that she's still not used to seeing Risa Sato wearing another jersey.
The former Creamline middle blocker formally joined Chery Tiggo earlier in January after she requested for an early release from her contract with Creamline in 2024, which was set to expire by the end of that year.
Valdez, a longtime teammate of Sato, said "it feels weird" to see her on the other side of the taraflex.
"Still, it’s kind of weird to — well sa training naman nagkakalaban laban kami, siyempre — but it’s more weird for us 'yung makita siyang ibang kulay ng jersey," she said.
READ: PVL: Valdez tows Creamline past Chery Tiggo for Game 1 win in QF
Valdez though acknowledged that changes happen, but the team misses Sato "so much."
The captain of the Cool Smashers also vowed to be supportive of Sato whatever happens in her career.
READ: PVL: Creamline makes quick work of Nxled, claims outright QF berth
"We miss her so much. But you know, we know changes happen, kailangan na ng growth also but we’re just very, very happy and we’re still gonna support her kung ano man 'yung gusto niyang tahakin in her career."
Creamline fended off Sato and Chery Tiggo in Game 1 of the ongoing 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Quarterfinals, 25-10, 27-25, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena.
Moments after the game, Sato was seen reconnecting with her former teammates and coaching staff in Creamline.
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