Valdez drops 27, helps Customs extend semis series

The Bureau of Customs Transformers pulled another magical performance captain Alyssa Valdez to subdue the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders 25-19, 15-25, 25-20, 25-17 and extend the semifinals series to a winner-take-all Game Three to enter the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The two-time SVL MVP Valdez poured in 27 points, her best output against Bali Pure this season. Thai import Som Kuthaisong added 19 markers after shifting to the opposite hitter position.

“Siguro nakatulong talaga sa amin ‘yung adjustments namin sa lineup kaya nagkaroon ng space sa blocking ng Bali Pure. It was a total team effort from us,” said Valdez.

BOC thundered through the match, picking up points from Bali Pure’s errors and miscues on defense. The Transformers also took the lead in reception, blocking, and digging – key stats which Bali Pure had dominated in their past two outings.

Bali Pure’s American import Kate Morell tallied 19 markers while Dzi Gervacio pitched in 16.

“They outplayed us right from the start. I thought there were opportunities for us to adjust but we didn’t take them in the game so that really beat us in the end,” said Bali Pure team captain Kaylee Manns who tossed 37 excellent sets.

Game Three will be on Wednesday, 6 pm at the PhilSports Arena. The winner favorites Pocari Sweat in the Finals which begins on Saturday.

“It’s going to be about mental toughness for both teams. Kailangan na lang magwork together as a team and magexecute ng gameplan namin,” closed Valdez.

The Scores

BOC (3) – Valdez 27, Kuthaisong 19, Vargas 7, Soriano 4, Mabbayad 4, Jaisaen 1, Llagoso 0, Mandapat 0, Ibisa (L)

Bali Pure (1) – Morell 19, Gervacio 16, Roces 7, Ahomiro 5, Soriano 4, Manns 3, De Jesus 0, Devanadera 0, Lazaro (L)