After dealing the Tigresses’ first heartbreak, Valdez praises foes

Alyssa Valde flashes wide smile. Photo by Marc Reyes

After causing UST a big heartbreak Saturday night, Alyssa Valdez offered some kind words to the collegiate favorites.

Valdez, a former collegiate superstar herself, said the Tigresses have improved a lot since she faced some of them last year.

“They have gained maturity and skills,” Valdez, speaking in Filipino, said after her Bureau of Customs dealt UST its first defeat, 25-17, 26-24, 25-15, in the Shakeys V-League Reinforce Conference. “And we know that (Cherry) Rondina still has a more to show. She’s just adjusting from beach volleyball.”

“And Pam (Lastimosa) had to come back, she has leadership and it’s a big plus for them,” Valdez added.

The Tigresses were hoping to make the semis, but Valdez unloaded a boulder in their way, exploding with 19 points for the Transformers.

Valdez also wrecked havoc in defense by sweeping the floor with 11 excellent digs.

She also got ample help from open hitter Thai Kanjana Kuthaisong who turned in 16, and Thai setter Natthanicha Jaisaen who had all 44 excellent sets for Customs.

Rondina displayed flashes of brilliance, scoring eight points along with EJ Laure who had the same output.

But Rondina’s energy that electrified the packed FilOil Flying V Center failed to spark the Tigresses.

Customs coach Sherwin Meneses said they are now making key adjustments, which primarily mean going to Valdez at crunchtime.

“We learned a lot from BaliPure game, before we don’t know where to give our second ball,” said Meneses. “Filipinos approach crunchtime differently, the Thais would also have set play.

“But when you have Alyssa, you have an advantage when you go for her shots,” he added.