Maraño praises Valdez for playing through stomach pains

MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez was clearly not her usual dominant self on Saturday night, December 7, as the Indonesian women’s volleyball team ran away from the Philippines in 4 sets, 22-25, 28-26, 25-22, 25-14, in their bronze medal match preview. 

The Filipina star finished with a tournament-low 2 points as Mylene Paat, Ces Molina and Majoy Baron filled in the gaps in the offense. 

Asked for an explanation after the game, team captain Aby Maraño revealed that her fellow team veteran was feeling under the weather despite playing in all 4 sets. 

“May iniinda siyang masakit. Di rin natin gustong pwersahin siya,” she said after the game as Valdez skipped the press conference. “Ang importante sa amin, di man siya makalaro, [makakalaro] kung sino yung papalit sa kanya.”

“Tiyan. Nag-aacid. Game pa ng Thailand, habang naglalaro.”

(She’s not feeling well. We don’t want to force her. What’s important is that her replacements fill in well. Her stomach was hyperacidic even during the Thailand game.) 

Indeed, the team got together to carry the offense in Valdez’s stead, as Paat, Molina and Baron combined for 39 points while SEA Games first-timer Eya Laure added 7 markers. 

“Di naman pwedeng nahihirapan na yung player tapos pipilitin at lalong lumala yung karamdaman,” Marano continued. “Pero ang maganda naman, nandiyan si Alyssa. Pinipilit niya kahit may nararamdaman siyang masakit.” 

(We can’t have a suffering player force it and risk the ailment getting worse. But what’s nice is that Alyssa’s there. She kept trying even though she was not feeling well.)

As a result of Valdez’s drop-off from the 1st set, the team languished in the latter 3 frames as Indonesia took full advantage. 

A healthy Valdez will have one last chance to redeem herself as the Philippines takes on a rematch with Indonesia for the SEA Games bronze on Monday, December 9. – Rappler.com