THE PLDT Home Ultera Fast Hitters will get a much-needed shot in the arm as volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez returns in time for Game 1 of the best-of-three finals series against the powerhouse Army Lady Troopers today at the Arena in San Juan.
Valdez, the Ateneo ace who also happens to be the reigning Open and Collegiate Conference MVP in the V-League, missed the entire elimination round and semifinals due to her beach volley commitment with Ateneo. She had asked for an extended vacation to rest a nagging back injury.
But she is expected to be back in her top form as she spearheads the Ultrafast Hitters’ bid against the Lady Troopers in a duel between the top two teams of the league.
Valdez’s presence is expected to further enhance Hole Ultera’s frontline threat following the arrival of the tall, power-hitting American imports in former US NCAA Division I standouts Victoria Hurtt and Sareea Freeman, who debuted for the team in the last elimination round playdate of the season-ending conference.
PLDT, though, remains wary of the Lady Troopers, who pack an equally solid roster that has been together for quite some time now. In fact, PLDT lost to Army, 23-25, 25-23, 11-25, 25-19, 13-15, in their first round meeting last Oct. 25.
The Lady Troopers boast of Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aby Marano, Honey Royse Tubino and Mary Remy Joy Palma and ace setter Tina Salak.
Aside from Hurtt, Freeman and Valdez, Home Ultera has several new players in its fold, including former league MVP Aiza Pontillas and Janine Marciano, who joined the team only this conference from Cagayan Valley.