Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ALYSSA Valdez’s sensational debut with Bali Pure may serve more than just a warning to the rest of the field. For playing coach Charo Soriano, the volleyball star’s presence also armed the team with more confidence.
Now boasting a complete lineup, the Water Defenders shoot for a semifinal berth versus Team Laoag in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference today.
“Alyssa brings so much confidence,” said Soriano. “It helps a lot being teammates with her. Her confidence rubs off on everyone. And it’s an important feeling that you have each other’s back. Alyssa’s going to dive for each ball.”
Game time is at 4 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Philippine Air Force, tied for second with Bali Pure at 3-1, also aims for a Final Four slot versus National University at 6:30 p.m.
Idle Pocari Sweat (4-0) already secured the first semifinal berth.
Valdez dropped 26 points in the Water Defenders’ gruelling 20-25, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17, 15-12 triumph over University of the Philippines two days ago.
“There are more things that we have to improve on,” said Soriano. Jasmine W. Payo