The Bureau of Customs Transformers needed a career night from skipper Alyssa Valdez to sneak past the Laoag Power Smashers in five tight sets, 18-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-9, for their second Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference win at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The three-time UAAP MVP Valdez tallied 39 points, beating out Angela Benting’s previous record of 36.
Valdez’s scoring was much-needed, as Laoag’s defense gave the other Transformers problems. The Phenom scored 20 points in the last two sets to lift Customs from a 1-2 hole.
In the decider, Valdez scored five straight points to bring the Transformers from a 3-6 deficit to an 8-6 lead. Valdez then put the nail in the coffin, serving three aces in a run that placed Customs ahead 13-9.
“Laoag really made us work for every point. Ang ganda talaga ng depensa nila,” admitted Valdez.
“Ang sabi ko talaga sa team eh gawin na lang namin kung ano kaya namin itulong kay Alyssa,” said Customs head coach Sherwin Meneses. “Buti na lang talaga nasa team ko si Alyssa.”
Customs played without four main rotation players: their two Thai imports, who have yet to secure proper documentation, and former Navy players Pau Soriano and Lilet Mabbayad.
Rose Vargas added 16 points for the Transformers. Jorelle Singh topped the Power Smashers with a career-high 28 points, while SVL Open Conference MVP Grethcel Soltones managed 15.
Customs (2-0) will next face the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders (0-0) on October 12, 6 pm. Laoag (1-1) faces Air Force (1-1) on the same day at 4 pm. Both matches will be at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
Customs (3) – Valdez 39, Vargas 16, Corpuz 9, Mandapat 8, Marzan 5, Emnas 3, Llagoso 0, Tubiera 0, Ibisa (L)
Laoag (2) – Singh 28, Soltones 15, Saet 7, Urdas 6, Villegas 3, Galanza 2, Guillema 2, Eulalio 2, Prado 1, Eroa (L), Galang (L)
