In her first match back from an extended European tour, Alyssa Valdez was phenomenal, leading the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders to a win over the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in a five set thriller, 20-25, 25-22, 15-25, 25-17, 15-12, in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
As expected from a team that has not had a complete practice, Bali Pure started slow. The Lady Maroons bolted to a 16-11 lead as Bali Pure struggled to string together consecutive good rallies. The Purest Water Defenders got within two points, 23-21, thanks to late attacks from Alyssa Valdez. But the Lady Maroons eventually took the set after Nicole Tiamzon and Isa Molde smashes.
Again, Bali Pure limped into the second set, spotting UP a 16-20 lead. This time, the Purest Water Defenders managed a late storm. Bali Pure setter Jem Ferrer banked on her MVPs, Valdez and Soltones, to get them out of their funk. Soltones started things off, converting two straight hits that gave Bali Pure a 23-22 lead. After a UP timeout, Valdez scored again, setting the stage for an Amy Ahomiro quick play to cap the set.
UP then came out bent on taking the third set. Working off Kathy Bersola’s tremendous control of the net, the Lady Maroons had the frame when they were leading 18-8. Not to be outdone, Bali Pure’s superstar duo dazzled in the fourth set. Valdez and Soltones traded turns in a 5-0 run that broke the game wide open, pulling Bali Pure to an insurmountable 22-13 lead.
Valdez again set the tone in the fifth frame, spiking and acing her way to six points that gave Bali Pure an 8-2 lead. With Bali Pure at match point, 14-6, UP sophomore Isa Molde sparked a 6-0 blitz, threatening to extend the match. After her hits were defended well in the past points, Valdez nailed the game-winner, an imposing cut shot that just barely grazed the line.
“Medyo mabagal talaga yung start ng game. So we really just talked to each other and motivated each other. We’re really happy that Bali Pure is finally complete,” said Bali Pure playing coach Charo Soriano.
Former UAAP MVP Valdez tallied a game-high 26 points off 23 attacks and three aces. Reigning NCAA MVP Soltones added 15 markers, while UAAP Season 77 Finals MVP Ahomiro managed 10.
Molde amassed 22 points, while team captain Kathy Bersola added 19 points, which included eight blocks.
Bali Pure (3-1) will next face the Laoag Power Smashers (2-2) on Wednesday, June 15 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UP (1-3) meanwhile will take on the Iriga City Lady Oragons (1-3) on Saturday, June 18 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Scores:
Bali Pure (3) – Valdez 26, Soltones 15, Ahomiro 10, Soriano 5, Gervacio 5, Tajima 4, Marciano 2, Ferrer 0, Lazaro 0, Bello 0, Eroa (L).
UP (2) – Molde 22, Bersola 19, Dorog 10, Buitre 6, Tiamzon 5, Basarte 3, Carlos 1, Chopitea 0, Gaiser (L), Estranero (L).
