Alyssa Valdez embraces rising competition in the PVL ahead of the semifinals

The stage is set for a highly anticipated semifinal round in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, with four teams—Creamline Cool Smashers, PLDT High Speed Hitters, Farm Fresh Foxies, and Cignal HD Spikers—battling for a coveted spot in the finals.

As the league reaches its most crucial phase, all eyes are once again on Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, who has rediscovered top form in this year’s All-Filipino Conference. The longtime face of Philippine volleyball has delivered a resurgent campaign, showcasing the all-around brilliance and leadership that once made her the undisputed centerpiece of the league and a perennial fan favorite.

Valdez’s strong performances have come at a time when the PVL is arguably at its most competitive, with emerging teams and deeper rosters raising the level of play across the board. For the 32-year-old veteran, that evolution is something she welcomes, especially with the breakthrough of teams like Farm Fresh, who have reached the semifinals for the first time in franchise history.

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“I’m very, very excited. We welcome everybody naman talaga dito sa PVL, most especially sa semifinals. The more teams na nakakapasok sa semis, the more lumalakas halos lahat ng teams. Kaya mas nagiging exciting yung conferences natin,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

‘I’M VERY, VERY HAPPY AND PROUD SA LAHAT NG TEAMMATES KO’

Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez is beaming with pride as the Cool Smashers give their all to book a semis spot and avoid ouster from the tournament. #PVL2026 @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/P8wtVh7HyK

— Kennedy Caacbay (@kennedyzcaacbay) April 7, 2026

Farm Fresh’s rise has been one of the defining storylines of the conference, and Valdez believes their semifinal appearance will be instrumental in their long-term growth as a competitive squad.

“Iba rin talagang experience pag nasa semifinals. Mag-grow talaga kayo as a team. We just can’t wait to see kung paano mag-grow yung Farm Fresh,” she added.

For Creamline, however, the focus quickly shifts to a daunting semifinal matchup against the PLDT High Speed Hitters—a team that has already proven it can challenge the defending contenders. PLDT handed Creamline a defeat during the elimination round, adding an extra layer of intrigue and urgency to their upcoming clash.

“It’s a very interesting semifinals for us. We really have to work harder and smarter,” Valdez concluded.

The Cool Smashers, known for their championship pedigree and composure under pressure, will lean heavily on Valdez’s leadership and experience as they attempt to navigate a tougher and more unpredictable semifinal landscape. Meanwhile, PLDT enters the matchup brimming with confidence, eager to replicate—and perhaps surpass—their earlier success against Creamline.

The two teams are set to face off in the first semifinal showdown on Saturday, April 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with a finals berth hanging in the balance.

As the PVL continues to grow in parity and intensity, this year’s semifinals promise not only high-level competition but also a glimpse into the future of Philippine volleyball—where established powerhouses and rising contenders collide on equal footing.

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