PLDT, Army begin V-League title duel

Botharmed with all the weapons for a championship run, PLDT Home Ultera and Philippine Army begin a potentially explosive best-of-three title series Saturday in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Ace hitter Alyssa Valdez returns from injury to join forces with American imports Victoria Hurtt and Sareaa Freeman for the Ultra Fast Hitters who lost a five-setter to the Lady Troopers in the eliminations.

“Alyssa’s presence will give us more attack options on the floor,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb. “We’re also taller with our foreign players, but Army has better chemistry and more experience.

The Lady Troopers swept the eliminations before toppling the Navy Lady Sailors in the semifinals. Army only gave up three sets in all its previous six games.

Former MVPs Jovelyn Gonzaga, Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo, Michelle Carolino, Honey Rose Tubino and Aby Maraño form Army’s lethal assault team together with setter Tina Salak and Mary Remy Joy Palma.

Army defeated PLDT, 25-23, 23-25, 25-11, 19-25, 15-13 last Oct. 25 without Hurtt, Freeman and Valdez, the Open and Collegiate Conference MVP who hurt her back after playing in a beach volley tournament.