Shakey’s VL: Valdez is biggest PLDT gem

Ateneo superstar Alyssa Valdez resumes her chase for more glory when she suits up for PLDT in the 12th Shakey’s V-League firing off April 5 with the Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Fresh off another banner season where she captured MVP honors while leading Ateneo to a perfect campaign in the UAAP, Valdez is taking her act back to the tournament where she started making a name for herself.

At PLDT, Valdez will be reunited with former Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb who couldn’t hide his excitement upon learning that the Lady Eagle will be at the forefront of his team’s campaign.

“She will be a vital part of this PLDT team,” said Gorayeb referring to Valdez, who powered the Lady Eagles to back-to-back UAAP championships, including a historic 16-game sweep this year.

Under Gorayeb, Valdez won a Shakey’s V-League title three years ago.

“Hopefully, with her around, we could win another championship just like the old times,” said Gorayeb, whose squad also boasts 6-foot-4 spiker-blocker Jaja Santiago of National U.

“Jaja is a key addition to this team,” said Gorayeb, the current NU mentor and the national under-23 and Southeast Asian Games teams coach.

PLDT has a dynamic squad that also includes Denden Lazaro, Cha Soriano, Ruby de Leon, Suzanne Roces, Gretchel Soltones, Amanda Villanueva, Jem Ferrer and Lizlee Ann Pantone.

Gorayeb said familiarity among the players will not be a problem even as he picked Cagayan Valley and Philippine Army as strong title contenders.

The league, organized by Sports Vision, is also backed by Mikasa and Accel, are Baguio, Fourbees, Meralco, Navy and Coast Guard.