Photo taken from Shakey’s V-League Facebook account
After steering PLDT Home Ultera to its second Shakey’s V-League championship of the year, head coach Roger Gorayeb can’t help but think of ways to keep their victory streak going.
“Army is always a tough opponent,” said Gorayeb after the Ultra Fast Hitters swept the Lady Troopers in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals for the Season 12 Reinforced Conference title.
“Forget about the dynasty. I’m more concerned about finding ways to beat (Army) whenever we face each other,” added Gorayeb, whose teams won all three conference titles for the season.
Ateneo ace Alyssa Valdez led the Ultra Fast Hitters to the title in the Open Conference early this year, putting away the Lady Troopers in a classic five-setter in the rubber match.
Gorayeb then guided the National University Lady Bulldogs, featuring Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo, to the collegiate conference title two months ago.
“They (Lady Troopers) will always make sure that every game will be tougher than the previous one,” said Gorayeb. “Dynasty? Yes, we’re winning championships, but I don’t want to call it that way.”
Reinforced by Americans Sareea Freeman and Victoria Hurt, the Ultra Fast Hitters raised their game in the semifinals. Valdez was activated from the injury roster and she instantly delivered in the first two games of the series to bag the Finals MVP trophy.