Five-time Southeast Asian Games campaigner Alyssa Valdez remains hopeful that the Philippine women’s volleyball team’s run in Phnom Penh will finally bear fruit.
The Filipinas are the last hope of the country to claim a medal in indoor volleyball after a disappointing campaign by the men’s squad.
Valdez and the rest of the 14-woman crew handled by Brazilian coach Jorge Souza de Brito open their quest to end an 18-year medal drought in the biennial meet on Tuesday against host Cambodia in Group B.
“We’re always aiming to give honor and pride to our country, not just representing it but hopefully bringing home a medal for our country,” the national team skipper said.
Valdez is making her fifth SEA Games cap since 2015 when the Philippines fielded teams in the sport after 10 years of absence.
However, the 29-year-old hitter, who was Team Philippines’ flag bearer in the traditional parade of nations in the colorful opening ceremonies last Friday, might get limited minutes of action in her first competition since returning from a knee injury.
Valdez hurt her right knee during the battle for bronze in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference last December which sidelined her for the rest of the Open Conference early this year.
“I guess it’s also a big responsibility to be back on the court representing the country that’s why I’m really making it a point to double time (to get back in competitive form),” she said.
“I’m really thankful and grateful that the coaches trust me to be a part of the national team,” Valdez added.
“It’s a great feeling that my first competition back is for the national team.”
The Nationals staged a two-week training camp in Japan to prepare for the competition.
“We’ve seen the girls work hard in training camp and even before the training camp. Trust and heart… We promise to do everything to give honor to our country,” Valdez said.
The Philippines will face Vietnam on Wednesday before clashing with Singapore the following day.
In Group A are defending champion Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar and Malaysia.
