Photos by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Don’t count the older ladies out.
An “experienced” Philippine Army outlasted PLDT Home Ultera, 13-25, 25-33, 27-25, 25-22, in the finals of the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference on Thursday evening at Arena in San Juan City.
A rejuvenated Jovelyn Gonzaga was on point to give the Lady Troopers the first match of the best-of-three series with a powerful strike that no Ultra Fast Hitter could receive.
Lady Troopers head coach Rico de Guzman said it was in the crucial moments of the game that the experience of his players showed.
“It was all experience, that’s what carried us,” De Guzman said. “It’s during the crunch time when we get to show the experience of Army.”
Alyssa Valdez put PLDT to a close 24-22 but it was all for naught as Gonzaga was determined to put it all away.
Gonzaga and Dindin Santiago-Manabat led Army with 16 points each while veteran Nerissa Bautista had nine.
Valdez was once again on fire with 25 points to lead PLDT while Jaja Santiago added 11. RC
