(CNN Philippines) — In the match that had all the trappings of a classic, the PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters survived the Army Lady Troopers, 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 28-26, 15-13 to capture the Shakey’s V-League title Sunday (May 31).
Behind Alyssa Valdez’s 26 attacks and a block, PLDT dethroned the Lady Troopers at the packed San Juan Arena.
But Valdez deflected sole credit and cited team effort as key to the rousing victory.
“Definitely, we worked as a team today. Extra motivation and determination yung championship,” Valdez said moments after their Open Conference conquest.
In fact, it was Jaja Santiago who was named Finals Most Valuable Player.
The lanky Santiago made the championship-clinching shot for the Ultra Fast Hitters, who were off to a lousy start in the deciding set but were able to plow through it anyway.
Army actually had the game in the bag in the fourth set after taking the second and third cantos, respectively.
But things actually went downhill from there for the Lady Troopers.
In the pivotal set that featured 10 deadlocks, Valdez stepped up to the plate and delivered two kills that sent the contest into a deciding fifth set.
