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 showed it can pull off convincing wins even minus its star.
But the Water Defenders hope to show fiercer form Monday night with volleyball’s biggest draw, Alyssa Valdez, finally suiting up in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference.
Valdez, expected to be back in shape after a European trip, vies to lead the Water Defenders to a share of second spot versus University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
“The remaining matches are very important,” said Bali Pure playing coach Charo Soriano. “But I think we’re going to be more confident.”
A third victory will boost the Water Defenders into a tie with Air Force (3-1) behind unbeaten Pocari Sweat (4-0), which already secured the first semifinal berth.
National University and Team Iriga, tied at 1-2, tangle in the first match at 1 p.m.
In men’s action, Sta. Elena and Philippine Navy gun for their first win in three games in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.
Although Valdez already returned last week, Soriano said she advised the three-time UAAP MVP to work on her physical conditioning and train with the team first.
Bali Pure bested Team Iriga, 18-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-21, last Wednesday while UP snapped a two-game skid with a 21-25, 27-25, 25-14, 25-13 win over Team Baguio.