It's been three long years since Alyssa Valdez last hoisted a championship trophy.
The three-time UAAP MVP ended a personal title drought when the Creamline Cool Smashers reigned supreme in the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.
Valdez last won the crown with the PLDT franchise in the 2015 season of the now-defunct V-League tournament. It was also the same year when she steered Ateneo to back-to-back championships in the UAAP.
"It's weird because I don't really know the feeling the last time that I became a champion. I don't know, it feels so good that we got the win and the championship this conference," the former Lady Eagle expressed.
Creamline claimed its breakthrough title after sweeping the PayMaya High Flyers, 25-19, 25-20, 25-11, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a fitting culmination to the Cool Smashers' impressive run this season where they paraded a talented and loaded lineup.
Newly-acquired opposite spiker Michele Gumabao, libero Melissa Gohing, and middle blocker Risa Sato provided additional firepower to the team, which also received a significant boost from returning imports Kuttika Kaewpin and Laura Schaudt.
"Definitely it's a big help not only in scoring but also in floor defense, blocking, and leadership. I think that's one of the advantages of having veterans added to the team," Valdez said about their beefed-up roster.
The Creamline captain cherished the feeling of copping the title with familiar faces. Joining forces with long-time collegiate rivals in Gumabao and Gohing - fondly called 'big MG' and 'little MG' by teammates - was a treat for the fans. But what stood out more in Valdez's quest for another crown was her solid partnership with Finals MVP Jia Morado.
The former Ateneans shared a pair of championships in the UAAP, also under the mentorship of Cool Smashers coach Tai Bundit. Now, in their second season in the semi-pro league, they achieved a new milestone together.
"We told each other we won't separate until we get another championship. So we can now separate," joked Valdez.
The undeniable chemistry between Valdez and Morado, two of the country's best volleyball players, extends beyond the taraflex.
"Jia keeps me calm inside and outside of the court. Even with challenges off the court, we make it a point that we're there for each other," shared Valdez. "I think that's what our Creamline family teaches us, to really stick together no matter what happens."
"Ate Ly will forever be my big sister," Morado said affectionately. "But when it comes to playing inside the court and training, we're all equal no matter how senior or how young you are. We give equal respect to each other and we really have faith in the capabilities of our teammates."
Valdez, Morado, and the rest of the team hope that claiming the franchise's first-ever crown is just the beginning of the Cool Smashers' successful journey.
"The pressure increased for us because getting a championship means we need to improve more as a team. [Our goal is] to get more championships in the long run," said Valdez. "I think this first championship will always be the most memorable. It's a stepping stone to inspire and motivate us to achieve bigger goals for our team."