Valdez returns with aplomb

ALYSSA Valdez quickly made up for her long absence with another superb performance for PLDT Home Ultera in Game 1 of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference last Saturday.

Sidelined by a back injury early in the tournament, the Ateneo standout returned with aplomb by towing the Ultra Fast Hitters to a thrilling 16-25, 20-25, 26-24, 29-27, 18-16 win over Army in the series opener.

Valdez finished with 25 points as PLDT fought back from two sets down to complete the improbable victory. The Ultra Fast Hitters can seal the crown with another victory in Game 2 this Sunday.

More than anything, Valdez was just delighted to be back playing again in front of a delirious V-League crowd that has witnessed her rise from a high school sensation to a bona fide volleyball star.

“I’m home again,” said Valdez. “It feels right to always come back to the league that has greatly helped shape the path of my volleyball career.”

Valdez’s return did not come without controversy as the national team star reportedly defied an order from Ateneo to give the series a miss. The school wanted to keep her fresh for the coming UAAP season.

When she stepped on the court in the first set, however, there was no denying her impact on the match.
Valdez missed out on the league awards this time because of her absence early in the tournament.
Season 12 awardees: Army’s Jovelyn Gonzaga, MVP, Best Opposite Spiker; Honey Royse Tubino (Army), 1st Best Outside Spiker; Janine Marciano (PLDT), 2nd Best Outside Spiker; Lizlee Ann Pantone (PLDT), Best Libero; Janet Serafica (Navy), Best Setter; Kathy Bersola (UP), 1st Best Middle Blocker; and Sheena Mae Chopitea (UP), 2nd Best Middle Blocker.