Alyssa Valdez is being patient as she works her way back into form.

That is why even after the Creamline Cool Smashers swept Chery Tiggo on Tuesday, June 27, the three-time Premier Volleyball League (PVL) MVP was just thankful to finally return to the taraflex.

“Well, I’m very thankful we got the win. Everyone really stepped up, ang ganda talaga ng nilaro ng lahat sa team,” Valdez, who finished with three markers alongside 10 excellent digs, said.

The former Ateneo Blue Eagle also showed her appreciation to Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses, who fielded her in the starting line-up.

“I was really lucky enough also na binigyan ako ng pagkakataon ni coach Sherwin na makalaro in today’s game. It’s really been a while since I last played. It’s really different to actually play a full game also. But [I’m] very thankful for the experience, knowing also na isa sa malalakas din na team itong nakalaban namin,” she said.

But Valdez admitted that she still needs time to adjust, especially after being out of the court for numerous months following her knee injury last December.

“It’s quite different talaga. Siguro, this is the longest time that I’ve never played volleyball in my life, seven months. Laging na lang rin nilang nire-remind sa ‘kin na ‘wag magmadali,” Valdez said.

“I really have to trust the process, one step at a time,” she said.

“I think it’s really a mental challenge naman coming in. Also knowing that I’m not getting any younger and I had my injury just recently, so I have to really take care of my body also,” she added.

But Valdez stressed that when her number is called, she will still give her 100 percent when she steps on the court.

“Pero pag pinasok, kailangan talagang ibigay lahat,” the veteran open hitter said.

Still, Valdez is taking all the time she needs for her to get back to playing like the Phenom that she is.

“Hopefully, magamay ko na ulit ‘yung volleyball court. I really can’t wait, ‘yung smooth and may fluidity sa galaw ko sa loob ng court,” she said. (ABS-CBN News)