Valdez, Customs stay alive, force semis decider vs Bali Pure

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Bureau of Customs lived to fight another day, turning back Bali Pure, 25-19, 15-25, 25-20, 25-17, Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig to extend their Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference semifinals series to a winner-take all Game 3.

Alyssa Valdez once again took the spotlight, exploding for 27 points, 20 from spikes, five service aces, and two blocks to give the Transformers another chance.

Coach Sherwin Meneses also banked on his rotational adjustment, switching Rose Vargas and Kanjana Kuthaisong’s roles to play the guest player as the opposite spiker.

The move worked wonders for Customs as the Thai netted 19 points to aid Valdez in the victory.

“Positioning lang yung naging adjustment namin. Buti naman nakapag-deliver sila,” said Meneses. Vargas also had seven in the win.

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to face Pocari Sweat in the best-of-3 championship series.

“Sana sa amin mapunta yung momentum. Yung team na mas mataas ang mental toughness, yun ang mananalo,” Meneses said on the do-or-die tiff.

Katherine Morrell paced Bali Pure with 19 points, while Dzi Gervacio chipped in 16.