FINALS MVP Mark Alfafara of PLDT Home Ultera shows his trophy after scoring 23 points in the title clincher against Cagayan. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
TOUGHER when it mattered, PLDT Home Ultera overcame a gritty stand by Cagayan Valley to hack out a dramatic 25-15, 25-11, 23-25, 30-28 victory yesterday and clinch the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Ultra Fast Spikers hung tough in a nip-and-tuck fourth set before turning to Mark Alfafara for the decisive kills as they completed a sweep of the best-of-three finals series.
It was PLDT’s second title in three days as the women’s team, led by Alyssa Valdez, also copped the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference title before a packed arena last Sunday.
With Finals MVP Mark Alfafara taking charge, PLDT found gaps in Cagayan’s defense. The Ultra Fast Spikers worked behind their efficient spiking to upend the Rising Suns and claim victory in an hour and 48 minutes.
The Rising Suns couldn’t find an answer to the Ultra Fast Spikers’ power game.
After a nine-block game in their 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 25-12 win in the series’ opener, PLDT got 19 points off blocks this time.
Fiery on both ends, Alfafara got six blocks on top of 16 attacks for 23 points.
Howard Mojica also had 23 hits while PLDT drew a combined 30-point output from Vic De Guzman, Jayron Ramos and Kheeno Franco.
After starting the tournament with a 6-1 record, Cagayan finished with three straight losses—all coming against PLDT.
Typifying Cagayan’s struggle was Marck Espejo, who was held to 14 hits while Jan Paglinawan and Rex Intal added 10 points.
Earlier, Air Force clinched third place with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 drubbing of Cignal.