MANILA, Philippines – Creamline stars Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado won’t see action for some time due to injuries. 

But the Cool Smashers got a bit of reprieve as the team earned an outright semi-final berth in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), which gives them a one-month break as the other teams mix it up in the quarter-finals. 

“Blessing in disguise na matagal ang break,” said Valdez. “So it’s good for the team to recover kasi di din madali pinagdaanan namin noong first round and lahat ng teams bakbakan and ‘yun lang ‘yung leeway namin para makapagrest.” 

(The long break is a blessing in disguise. So it’s good for the team to recover because what we went through in the first round wasn’t easy and all the teams are going after the championship and that’s the only leeway we have to be able to rest.) 

The two former Ateneo Lady Eagles are expected to be back in top shape by the time the semi-final round rolls in.

Valdez, a three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, needs to rest her swollen right ankle, while UAAP Season 77 Best Setter Morado must sit out for a week due to tendonitis on her right shoulder. 

Last Wednesday, June 6, Morado was subbed out in the second set of the game Creamline won over Iriga-Navy. 

“The doctor said that it’s just tendonitis. I just need to fully rest and continue ice therapy for a week,” said Morado. 

But the injuries didn’t stop Valdez and Morado from supporting the national team pool as they showed up in practice on Thursday, June 7, at the Arellano Gym . 

Myla Pablo, Jaja Santiago, Mika Reyes, Denden Lazaro, Aby Maraño, Mylene Paat, Rebecca Rivera, Maika Ortiz, Ces Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan and CJ Rosario also joined the training.  – Rappler.com