V-League Finals: No letup for Gumabao, Pocari vs Valdez-led BOC

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Michele Gumabao is never the one to show any sign of relenting. 

Ever since her college days, the middle blocker has been the voice and spirit of a La Salle team that won three straight UAAP titles.

Now that she’s turned pro, Gumabao is still that unwavering bundle of swagger.

Pocari Sweat blasted Bureau of Customs 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, to gain a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three finals in the Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference and Gumabao won’t let her team pull back on its punches in Game 2.

“Goal namin championship, hangga’t hindi namin nakukuha ang championship hindi kami magiging complacent,” said Gumabao Saturday at Philsports Arena.

She cited the example of how Customs bounced back in the semifinals after losing the first match against Bali Pure in straight sets.

Gumabao added she’s wary of Customs’ star Alyssa Valdez. who has shown the capability to lead a team after spearheading Ateneo’s championship runs in 2013 and 2014.

Valdez’s first championship with the Lady Eagles came at the expense of a mighty La Salle team in the finals.

“She’s [Valdez] a good leader ever since nasa college kami talagang ano na, team buhat,” said Gumabao. “Bubuhatin niya kahit sinong kakampi niya.”