ATENEO stalwart Alyssa Valdez of PLDT attacks the defense of Army’s Cristina Salak in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
PLDT Home Ultera flashed mean form in repulsing Philippine Army, 25-16, 25-23, 28-26, yesterday to gain a share of top spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Making up for her absence the last time out, Alyssa Valdez fired 19 points as the Ultra Fast Hitters roared to a strong start before holding off the Lady Troopers in the third set.
Later, Meralco rolled to its second straight victory at the expense of a listless Baguio squad, 25-17, 25-8, 25-14.
Former La Salle standouts Abigail Maraño and Cha Cruz combined for 24 hits as the Power Spikers joined PLDT and Cagayan Valley in the lead with two wins in as many games.
Turning the showdown between favorites into a virtual workout before 3,000 spectators.
“We didn’t expect to win this easy,” said coach Roger Gorayeb.
The Lady Troopers did show a semblance of a fight in the third set but Valdez again came through with critical hits.
In the Spikers’ Turf men’s play, Champion Infinity made sure there was no heartbreak this time, exactly a week after getting dragged into another five-setter.
Stunned by Cagayan Valley in five sets last Sunday, the Active Smashers turned the tables on Army with a marathon 16-26, 25-19, 22-25, 28-26, 15-13 win.
Chris Antonio starred with 17 points and Sylvester Honrade tossed 13 hits for the Active Smashers who evened their card at 1-1 just like their victims.
PLDT Home Ultera dumped Cignal HD, 25-20, 27-29, 25-22, 25-21, for its second straight victory earlier.