MANILA, Philippines -- Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers have not lost a game since the opening weekend of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, but the ace spiker said they are still seeking consistency.

After losing to PetroGazz in straight sets in their first game of the conference, the Cool Smashers reeled off nine straight wins -- including a four-set triumph over the Angels in their rematch. They made it 10 wins in a row after beating PacificTown Army, 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, in Game 1 of their best-of-3 semis series.

"Honestly, I think winning is just a testament to working hard sa practices," said Valdez, who had 12 points in their difficult win over the gutsy Lady Troopers. "But it doesn't mean that we're 100% of what we aim to be, and what we aim for."

Their game against the Lady Troopers certainly showed some holes in Creamline's game, particularly in service reception. Their weak first ball allowed the Lady Troopers to stay in the hunt in the first and second sets, and to build a big lead in the third frame.

"We're looking for lalong gumanda ang game namin, and we have to be consistent," stressed Valdez.

"It's really consistency that will bring us to the finals, and hopefully bring us back to the championship, so iyon lang," she added.

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In this regard, Valdez is quite grateful that they struggled against the Lady Troopers, as it showed them "that there are things to improve on."

"Kailangan talaga ng consistency. Labanan talaga ito ng consistency 'pag sa latter part, lalo na, they're Army," she pointed out. "They won't just let down. They keep the ball flying talaga, and we keep fighting against them to win."

Game 2 of the semifinals is on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with the Cool Smashers seeking a return trip to the finals in their bid to defend their crown in the Reinforced Conference.

"We have to take it na parang same, normal game," said Valdez. "We can't pressure ourselves now that we need to win, but siyempre kailangan pa rin 'yung eagerness to win."

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