Alyssa-less Bali begins V-League Open bid

Alyssa Valdez, left, and Jeffrey Jimenez during the opening of the 13th season of the Shakey’s V-League. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

BALI Pure seeks to start out strong even minus star Alyssa Valdez and two other stalwarts when the Water Defenders clash with Air Force Monday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Center.

Coach Charo Soriano hopes the veterans will take charge in the 4 p.m. contest and fill the void that the absence of Valdez, reigning NCAA MVP, Gretchel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa will create.

The trio was invited to a series of training camps and exhibition matches in London and is expected to return only on June 8.

“We haven’t really practiced as a team, so we expect it to be a little challenging in our first few games,” said Soriano.

The Air Spikers intend to take advantage of Bali’s depleted lineup with a similarly competitive crew led by Judy Caballejo, Joy Cases, Iari Yongco, Mae Crisostomo, May Ann Pantino and Jennifer Manzano.

Team Laoag, which bowed to National University in the Saturday opener, looks to rebound versus Team Iriga at 6:30 p.m.

The winners of Monday’s doubleheader will join early leaders NU and Pocari Sweat, which downed University of the Philippines, 25-18, 25-14, 25-22, Friday night.

In Spikers’ Turf, Cignal and Bounty Fresh clash at 1 p.m. with the winner joining men’s opening-day winner Instituto Estetico Manila on top.

Soriano expects familiarity will play a key role as former Ateneo teammates Denden Lazaro, Dzi Gervacio, Bea Tan and Amy Ahomiro make up the core of the Water Defenders.

The Water Defenders are also awaiting the release of former Ateneo standouts, Ella de Jesus and Jem Ferrer, from mother team PLDT.