SIX years since first donning pink in the PVL, Chery Tiggo’s Risa Sato played her first match against Creamline — one that ended in defeat.
The Fil-Japanese blocker couldn’t steer the Crossovers past the unassailable Cool Smashers to begin their champion-caliber quarterfinals showdown.
As a result, they were left to bite the dust in a 10-25, 25-27, 21-25 Game One loss.
Sato was left to score just one block point in one set played.
READ: Creamline smashes Chery Tiggo to move a win away from PVL semis
Her longtime teammate, captain and friend in Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez was still admittedly in disbelief to see Sato-san in red after over half a decade of winning all 10 of the team’s PVL titles together.
But as is the case in sports, players can come and go when one least expects it.
“Still, it’s kind of weird. It’s more weird for us yung makita siyang ibang kulay na ng jersey,” said Valdez.
“Risa’s been with the team for so long. We missed 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.”
The Cool Smashers will hope that their second meeting with Sato and Chery Tiggo come Game 2 will be their last for this conference.
Valdez & Co. will shoot for a two-game series sweep en route to a 17th semifinals appearance in as many conferences on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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