ALYSSA Valdez is bracing for tougher battles ahead in the semifinals after Bureau of Customs made it to the Final Four of the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference on Wednesday.
Valdez fired 14 points as the Transformers marched into the semifinals after an easy beating of Philippine Coast Guard, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena.
BoC (4-2) joined league-leader University of Santo Tomas (5-1) and Pocari Sweat (4-1) in the Final Four, while Bali Pure (3-1) is within striking distance. As of posting time the Purest Water Defenders are playing against Laoag (2-4).
“Honestly mahirap kapag semis kasi iba na rin ang labanan and every team will definitely fight for their team talaga. Wala ka talaga ring hihilingin,” said Valdez. “For sure, it’s gonna be challenging for every team talaga entering the semifinals.”
“Siguro isa-isa lang muna, ‘yun kasi ang mindset ng team. We’re not thinking ‘yung malayo,” she added. “One step at a time para makarating (sa gustong puntahan), kasi kung ‘di ka magsisimula hindi naman tayo makakarating sa dulo.”
BoC will face Philippine Air Force on Saturday for its last assignment in the elimination round and Valdez will treat the match as a preparation for the semifinals.
“’Yung next game ang talagang makakapagbigay sa amin ng confidence as a team at doon din namin maaaral kung ano ang weakness naming at mga kailangan naming i-improve,” she said.
“Kasi knowing Air Force sobrang solid team sila, sobrang veteran team, marami kaming matututunan no matter what happens sa game on Saturday,” she added.