Valdez to miss another Bali Pure outing, says coach Soriano

MANILA, Philippines – Bali Pure team captain Alyssa Valdez will not join the Water Defenders as they battle Iriga in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference on Wednesday, June 8. 

Valdez was in Europe for a series of exhibition matches together with Bali Pure teammate Gretchel Soltones. But unlike Soltones who arrived earlier, Valdez will not have ample time to prepare for their Wednesday game, accoridng to playing coach Charo Soriano. 

“Alyssa wouldn’t have that much time and we wouldn’t want to force her also. So we want her to rest for a while and really prepare her body for the next remaining matches.” 

Soriano was very particular in not letting Valdez play, assuring that her team’s doing well especially as she sees all her other players stepping up. 

“I would not advise her and she is not also advised by our physical therapist to play on Wednesday. It wouldn’t be wise also,” she added. 

On the other hand, Soltones arrived last Thursday and was able to prepare enough just in time for their matchup against National University on Monday.

The NCAA MVP powered the Bali Pure Water Defenders past the NU Lady Bulldogs after exploding for 23 points in a thrilling 5-set victory, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-13. 

“We’re gonna be more confident coming from this win, although I wouldn’t be there to coach.” 

Coach Soriano, assistant coach Alexa Micek, and second stringer Bea Tan will also miss the game on Wednesday as they join the Beach Volleyball Republic Invitational tour in Cagayan from June 9 to 12. 

“I’ve been telling them to manage their expectations ‘cause I won’t be there to coach. Bea Tan won’t be there. But Alyssa will be here. Coach Ato will be here. So the team’s pretty much intact.”

Bali Pure hiked their record to 1-1 and looked forward to building momentum and further improving on their team chemistry. – Rappler.com