Creamline's Alyssa Valdez in action in the AVC Women's Champions League. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez is turning to the positives despite the team's early exit in the AVC Women's Champions League.
The Cool Smashers suffered a 15-25, 22-25, 16-25 loss against fellow Southeast Asian squad Nakhon Ratchasima in the knockout quarterfinal on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
READ: AVC: Creamline ousted by Nakhon Ratchasima in knockout quarterfinal
But despite their journey ending so soon, Valdez said they had a "good experience" in the AVC tiff, noting that their system being challenged by the best clubs in the continent will push them to the limit.
"It’s quite a good experience to go outside of your comfort zone every once in a while," said Valdez.
READ: AVC: PLDT loses to Zhetysu in knockout QF, exits Champions League
"I guess one thing that we appreciate from this tournament, iba rin makipaglaro sa ibang teams, sa iba’t-ibang sistema. Nacha-challenge and napu-push din talaga 'yung sistema namin," she added. "Doon mo rin makikita kung ano ba 'yung mga things to improve namin, individually and as a team."
Valdez sees the "hard loss" as an opportunity to improve further.
"It was a hard loss for us, pero alam mo, doon ka lang din titibay talaga," the volleyball icon said. "Sana, ‘yon 'yung panghahawakan namin sa mga next tournament namin, may it be here in the Philippines representing Creamline, or representing the Philippines. Kung saan ‘man, sana pagtibayan kami nito."
Petro Gazz is the last Philippine team standing in the tournament, which the Ateneo legend vowed to support.
"We root for all the Philippine teams representing our country, definitely. Isa rin sila sa mga teams na last na magre-represent so we’re gonna support them and cheer for them din. Go Petro Gazz."
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