MANILA, Philippines – Alyssa Valdez continues to draw the loudest cheers whenever the Creamline Cool Smashers compete in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, but one of her teammates has quickly become a fan favorite as well.

Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin, who was Valdez's teammate in 3BB Nakornnont before joining her in Creamline, is possibly the second most popular member of the Cool Smashers, thanks to her remarkable skill on both ends of the floor.

Kaewpin is a solid receiver and floor defender, and her presence allowed Creamline to move Ceska Racraquin to the libero position. But it is on offense that Kaewpin truly shines, as she unleashes a tremendous amount of power every time she attacks.

It came as no surprise to Valdez that the teammate she fondly calls "Daw" quickly earned her own contingent of fans.

"'Yung mga Philippine volleyball supporters kasi, they really appreciate the power, and they really appreciate the talent," said Valdez.

Kaewpin is clearly talented. At the young age of 22 she has already represented Thailand internationally, and is one of the featured players for 3BB. Her power is evident as well, as she repeatedly broke down the Bali Pure wall, and even veteran libero Lizlee Gata-Pantone struggled in digging her spikes.

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That she is only 5-foot-6 only adds to her appeal, according to Valdez.

"Alam mo 'yung height niya kasi, it's just the same a Pinoy. Tatalon siya ng mataas, like Ella (de Jesus)," said Valdez, referring to her former Ateneo de Manila University teammate who earned the moniker "The Ella-vator" for her leaping ability.

"So alam natin na mamahalin at mamahalin siya ng mga Pinoy, at hahanapin siya ng Pinoy 'pag may Reinforced Conference," she added.

[She has the same height as Filipino players, and she jumps high like Ella. So I knew that Filipinos were going to love her and look for her every time it's the Reinforced Conference.]

Kaewpin has been a massive factor for Creamline in their campaign, giving setter Alex Cabaños another reliable scoring option outside of Valdez. In their do-or-die semifinal game against Bali Pure last Tuesday, the Thai star had 23 points, including a crucial attack that forced deuce in the fifth set.

Valdez and Kaewpin will team up anew on Thursday, where they will try to complete a comeback against the Bali Pure Water Defenders for a Finals spot in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

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