Alyssa Valdez suffered her first defeat in almost a year in local volleyball, losing to the Army Lady Troopers in Game One of the Shakey’s V-league Finals. She was able to bounce back and to lead her team, the PLDT Home Ultera Ultra Fast Hitters to a Game Two victory, forcing a Game Three do-or-die battle for the championship.
Alyssa played like a demon possessed, leading all scorers with 26 points, 20 coming off of attacks, three via aces, and two from blocks. Aside from the usual desire to win, Alyssa was motivated to play another game alongside her teammates.
“Every game naman as a player, we go inside the court thinking to give our best. You want to have your best performance as a team. It’s really a bonus if you win. Siyempre yan ‘yung goal ng every team, but then ‘yung goal niyo rin as a team is to perform and enjoy the game. We’re really inspired kasi hindi namin alam kung kailan kami magsama-sama ulit kasi after nito may SEA Games and UAAP nanaman.”
Valdez and the Lady Troopers have a long history together, with Army being one of the most dominant team in the Shakey’s V-League, and Alyssa Valdez getting better and better every year, the two have faced each other numerous times in the past. This year, Alyssa seems to have the edge in the matchup, with PLDT defeating Army in three out of the four times the teams have faced this conference. The duel between these two juggernauts come to a close this Sunday, with the victor being crowned this conference’s champion.
With the experience of facing the veteran Army team numerous times, Alyssa was full of praise for her foes after her team’s victory in Game Two of the Finals, showing that there was nothing but friendly competition among the two teams.
“Army is a veteran team, they’re strong, powerful, lahat na. Hindi sila naggi-give up until sa last moments ng game,” shared Valdez. “Yun naman ‘yung gusto natin sa lahat ng team, walang bibitaw talaga. Kahit lamang na kami hindi sila nawawalan ng hope na kaya nila. ‘Yung ugali nila, thinking nila as a player and a team, sobrang ganda.”
“Army yan eh, kahit sabihin mo battle inside and outside the court they will fight for the country, for themselves, and every Filipino. So siyempre nadadala nila yan, kaya mahirap makalaban ‘yung Army.”
