Valdez returns for PLDT in Game 1 clash vs Army

MANILA, Philippines – PLDT Home Ultera will get a big boost when it clashes with Army as Alyssa Valdez is scheduled to return in Game One of their best-of-three Shakey's V-League Season 12-Reinforced Conference Finals at The Arena in San Juan City on Friday.

"She told me she'll play," said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb on Thursday referring to Valdez, the reigning Open and Collegiate Conference MVP.

Valdez missed the entire elimination round and semifinals due to her beach volley commitment with Ateneo and a nagging back injury.

But after getting a full rest, Valdez, the most popular volleyball player in the country today thanks to her electrifying play and endearing charm, will be a full participant when the Ultrafast Hitters tackle the Lady Troopers at 3 p.m.

Valdez is a shot in the arm for a team already enjoying the tall, power-hitting American imports in former US NCAA Division I standouts Victoria Hurtt and Sareea Freeman, who will play in the finale after the two were rested in PLDT's lopsided 25-11, 25-17, 25-17 win over State U in the semis.

"It will mean more attacking options for us with Alyssa around," said Gorayeb.

Gorayeb though thinks they would have their hands full against an Army team that has been together for a year now.

"We're taller, yes. But they're a more experienced team and they've been together longer than us," said Gorayeb, who lost to Army, 23-25, 25-23, 11-25, 25-19, 13-15, in their first round meeting on Oct. 25.

Army made it through by sinking Navy, 25-16, 25-10, 25-22.

The Lady Troopers have been playing with some of the country's top players, including Tina Salak, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Abi Marano, Honey Royse Tubino and Mary Remy Joy Palma among others.

Aside from Hurtt and Freeman, PLDT, in contrast, has several new players on its fold, former league MVP Aiza Pontillas and Janine Marciano, who joined the team only this conference from Cagayan Valley.