Army upends Smart; PAF thwarts PNP

MANILA, Philippines - Army spoiled Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez’s explosive debut as it eked out a thrilling 25-22, 25-19, 22-25, 20-25, 15-13 victory over Smart-Maynilad to move closer to unbeaten Cagayan Province in the Shakey’s V-League 10 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City yesterday.

The Army Women squandered a 2-0 set lead but recovered their bearing in time, outsteading the Net Spikers in a tense endgame behind Jovelyn Gonzaga, MJ Balse and Michelle Carolino.

Gonzaga fired 22 hits, Balse added 13 and Carolino tossed in 10 markers for the Army Women, who thus firmed up its hold of second spot at 5-1 while inching closer to Cagayan (7-0) heading to the carryover quarterfinal round set next week.

The win also put to naught Valdez’s game-high 28-hit effort as the Net Spikers dropped to fourth with a 4-3 slate, enabling Air Force to move to third at 4-2.

Valdez missed Smart-Maynilad’s first six games to honor her commitment for Ateneo in the UAAP beach volley. She unleashed a 21-kill effort and made six service aces that went for naught.

Earlier, Air Force bucked Philippine National Police’s strong challenge in the third set as it hacked out a 25-16, 25-11, 25-21 victory yesterday to barge into the quarterfinals of the Shakey’s V-league 10 open Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.