Alyssa Valdez vs Army Defense. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Alyssa Valdez, playing her first game this Reinforced conference, gave PLDT a huge lift en route to a 16-25, 20-25, 26-24, 29-27, 17-16 conquest of Philippine Army in game 1 of the Shakey’s V-League finals at San Juan Arena.
The Ultra Fast Spikers drew 25 points from the Ateneo superstar as they came back from two sets down and gutted it out in an intense fifth set.
Valdez, who is returning from a back injury, only played for four sets but still led all scorers as she fired 22 kills and two services aces for PLDT.
Gretchel Soltones and Aiza Maizo combined for 23 points for the Ultra Fast Spikers, who have a chance to wrap it all up in game 2 on December 6.
Former MVP Jovelyn Gonzaga led the Lady Troopers with 19 points, all but one from kills, while Honey Royse Tubino and Aby Marano added 16 and 15 points, respectively, but their efforts were nt enough to neutralize the Valdez-led surge by PLDT.