ALYSSA Valdez admits to feeling frustrated but is staying positive as Customs tries to recover from a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals of the V-League Reinforced Conference.
The Transformers were again outplayed by the Water Defenders, who also beat them in straight-sets in the eliminations, and Valdez believes they need to go over their game plan.
“Syempre nakakafrustrate din isipin na we lost today but kailangan lang talaga magmove forward,” said Valdez.
[See Kate Morrell shows way as Bali Pure beats Alyssa Valdez-led Customs in opener of V-League semis]
“Kailangan pag isipan kasi may next game pa on Monday so yun muna ‘yung focus.”
The second match of the best-of-three series is on Monday, and Valdez is optimistic her team, assembled only before the conference, can bounce back.
“Well, Bali Pure really came strong today and I think, definitely, they really study the team kung ano ‘yung gagawin namin kasi not only most of the balls but all of the balls alam nila kung saan pupunta,” said Valdez.
[See Coach Sherwin Meneses urges players to help Valdez, Kuthaisong as Customs tries to extend semis]
“Bali Pure, ‘yung core kasi ng team nila sobrang matagal ng magkakasama. They’re all veterans na samahan mo pa ng isang talented na setter (Kaylee Manns) at saka outside hitter (Kate Morrell),” the former league MVP added.
“I think their chemistry is really working for them, the team work, the little things na kailangan talaga, the basics of volleyball talaga meron din sila so it’s easier for them to get a point,” she continued.
“So ‘yun ang mentality, going into the second game it’s mind game kung sino ang mas tough magisip, kung sino ang matibay ang loob,” she said.