PLDT Home Ultera, again drawing strength from Alyssa Valdez, finished off Philippine Army with a 25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 victory yesterday to rule the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference Finals.
Cheered by a sellout crowd at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan, the Ateneo ace fired 22 points on top of five excellent digs and four services aces in approximating her Game 1 heroics to wind up as the Finals MVP.
American import Sareea Freeman blended perfectly with the Ultra Fast Hitters, chipping in 17 points and six blocks while Gretchel Soltones and Suzanne Roces added 10 attacks each.
The Lady Troopers leaned on Abigail Maraño and conference MVP Jovelyn Gonzaga, but crucial errors in the deciding set ended their title bid.
Maraño’s critical miscue at match point sealed PLDT’s second championship this season after dominating the Open conference early this year.
“I’m blessed to have these players,” said PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb, referring to Valdez, Janine Marciano, Soltones, Roces and Aiza Pontillas.
Gorayeb completed a Grand Slam of sorts after winning all three conferences of the season, including the collegiate conference with National University.
“I credit all of them for these championships,” added Gorayeb.
Valdez hurt her knee halfway through the fourth set, allowing the Lady Troopers to temporarily grab the lead. But the Ultra Fast Hitters immediately recovered their rhythm when Valdez returned to action.
Earlier, Justine Dorog and Katherine Bersola fired 17 points each and rookie Isa Molde added 16 attacks as University of the Philippines downed Philippine Navy, 25-20, 24-26, 25-23, 25-15, in the battle for third.