Lucky 13 for Shakey’s V-League

Pocari Sweat. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

On its 13th season, Shakey’s V-League recorded a few firsts.

A new team conquered the competition after Pocari Sweat dominated the season by taking the Open Conference and Reinforced Conference titles right on its maiden season.

Its main attraction remained the players, though, as Alyssa Valdez captured her third Most Valuable Player award—the most by anyone—despite not winning a championship.

Jaja Santiago also blossomed into a formidable force along with highly exciting players like EJ Laure and Grethcel Soltones.

Already an established franchise from a different league, the Lady Warriors fought through the league’s tough teams and against its biggest stars like Valdez to carve their niche.

With crowd drawers Michele Gumabao, Melissa Gohing, Myla Pablo and Desiree Dadang in the fold, Pocari Sweat drubbed Philippine Air Force in the Open Conference.

Later in the year, Pocari Sweat acquired imports Andrea Kacsits and Breanna Mackie to sweep the Valdez-led Bureau of Customs in the Reinforced Conference.

The result were big gate receipts and smashing TV ratings for the league and its broadcasting partners.

The league also staged the highly successful All Star Games featuring the league’s top draws, including University of Santo Tomas ace Cherry Rondina.

The proceeds went to the victims of Typhoon “Lawin,” which ravaged the northern part of the country in October.

The season was also marked by another first when Iriga Mayor Madeleine Alfelor-Gazmen played for her city in the Open Conference. She and the Summer Spikers made a return to the league after a year of absence.