Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
IT TOOK awhile before Alyssa Valdez hit her stride. But when the country’s biggest volleyball star found her rhythm, there’s no stopping her yet again.
Back after a month-long absence, Valdez rallied Bali Pure from a 1-2 set deficit and to a pulsating victory against University of the Philippines, 20-25, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17, 15-12, Monday night in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Valdez pumped in 26 points, the last on a cross-court hit that sealed the match after the gritty Lady Maroons had survived match point five times to threaten at 14-12.
“It was really hard,” said Valdez, the former Ateneo ace who missed the Water Defenders’ first three games due to a commitment in Europe.
“I have a new team, but I’m looking forward to training with them more.”
Grethcel Soltones carried the load in the early going to finish with 15 points for the Water Defenders, who climbed to a share of second with idle Air Force at 3-1.
In the first game, National University scuttled Team Iriga, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18, to arrest a two-match slide.
“This is very important, coming from two losses,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb after the Lady Bulldogs tied their victims at 2-2. “It helps boost the morale of the players.”
The Lady Bulldogs bowed to Pocari Sweat and Bali Pure in the last two weeks, both in five gruelling sets where they blew a 2-1 advantage.
But Jorelle Singh, Jaja Santiago and setter Jasmin Nabor all came through this time to lead the Lady Bulldogs in overwhelming the Lady Oragons on attacks (35-24), blocks (7-1) and aces (12-6).
Another NU standout starred in men’s action as Sta. Elena Construction barged into the win ledger with a 25-20, 35-33, 21-25, 25-19 drubbing of Philippine Navy in the Spikers’ Turf Season 2 Open Conference.
Berlin Paglinawan punched in 23 points, 19 off kills, to power Sta. Elena to its first win in three outings.