Home Ultera to pin hopes on imports

MANILA, Philippines – Though they got the job done with practically an all-Filipino crew in Game One, PLDT Home Ultera coach Roger Gorayeb will still be banking on his American imports when they go up for the clincher in tomorrow’s Game 2 of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Reinforced Conference Finals at The Arena in San Juan City.

Sareea Freeman and Victoria Hurtt did see action in the opener but the former US NCAA Division I standouts continued to grope for form while trying to blend with the locals, forcing Gorayeb to lean on her tested local crew, led by Alyssa Valdez and Gretchel Soltones on their way to pulling off a stirring come-from-behind 16-25, 20-25, 26-24, 29-27, 18-16 victory last Saturday.

But Gorayeb believes the week-long break has given Freeman and Hurtt enough time to jell with the rest of the squad, further firming up their frontline rotation against the embattled Lady Troopers in the season-ending conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and presented by PLDT Home Ultera.

“All I want from them is to intimidate Army with their blocking and height,” said PLDT coach Roger Gorayeb.

Hurtt scored eight hits in a three-set stint while Freeman finished with five markers while seeing action in the latter part of the fifth set.

But if his reinforcements fall short of expectations for the second time, Gorayeb said he can always go to his local aces again.

In fact, the power-hitting Valdez unloaded 25 hits, including 22 on kills, majority of which delivered in the last three sets in her very first game in the conference backed by Mikasa and Accel.

“Her (Valdez) presence alone inspires the players and also sows fear in the hearts of the opposing team, that’s how important she is to this team,” said Gorayeb referring to the reigning Open and Collegiate Conference MVP.

Valdez also got help from NCAA MVP Soltones, who stepped up all game to provide additional firepower for the Open Conference champions.

“She stepped up for us, she came through when we needed it most,” said Gorayeb of Soltones, also his ace at San Sebastian.

But Gorayeb believes Freeman and Hurtt will explode this time.

“We expect Army to adjust so we will need them (Freeman and Hurt) to play strong for us to have a chance,” said Gorayeb.