SURGING Bureau of Customs came crashing back to earth after a straight-set loss to Bali Pure in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference, but it did not dampen the spirit of top hitter Alyssa Valdez.
After a 2-0 start, the Transformers absorbed a 24-26, 21-25, 21-25 beating from the Purest Water Defenders, Valdez’s former teammates, on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
But the 23-year old former Ateneo star, who won back-to-back titles for the Lady Eagles in the UAAP, said it’s better for Customs to experience such a tough loss early in the tournament to realize their mistakes.
“At least it’s in the early stage pa lang ng liga na nakikita namin ang aming mga miscommunications as a team, yung mga hindi namin naiintindihan sa isa’ isa at kung ano ang mga kailangan naming i-improve as a team,” she said.
Valdez treated the loss as a learning experience for the team as they face undefeated University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
“Kami naman as a team, we really have to look into all the errors and siyempre ‘yung good na ginawa din namin para madala namin sa next games namin,” she said.
“And ‘yung mga mistakes naman namin, kailangan naman naming iwan ‘yun at i-correct for the next games,” she added.
[See No bad feelings as Bali Pure deals former star Alyssa Valdez first loss with Customs]
The San Juan, Batangas native also bared her personal objective for the conference: she wants to make the stay of their Thai imports Kanjana Kuthaisong and Natthanicha Jaisaen more memorable and fun.
“We’re just hoping for the best for our team and gusto rin naming ma-enjoy din nila (Thai imports) ang paglalaro nila dito sa Philippines,” she said.