MANILA, June 5, 2015 – After an epic Shakey’s V-League championship game on May 31, 2015 at the jam-packed San Juan Arena, PLDT HOME Ultera reigned supreme against last year’s titleholder Philippine Army. The former scored a five-set overall win of 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 28-26 and 15-13.
The season’s Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez racked up a total of 29 points for the PLDT HOME Ultera Ultra-Fast Hitters while Jaja Santiago and Gretchel Soltones brought to the team 17 points each.
On the side of the Philippine Army Lady Troopers, Jovelyn Gonzaga was the biggest contributor with 19 points, followed by Dindin Santiago-Manabat with 17 points, Mary Jean Balse with 13 points and Rachel Anne Daquis with 11 points.
The audience was kept at the edge of their seats across all five sets which were nothing short of an intensely close battle and adrenaline-pumping volleyball showcase. The Ultra-Fast Hitters, falling behind by the fourth set, bounced back and regained momentum with Valdez leading the way to that fifth and final set clincher.
It was already a near-win for defending champions Lady Troopers on the fifth set, but the Ultra-Fast Hitters fought hard and came out on top after spectacular plays from Valdez and Santiago, 7-5. In the end, Santiago was named Finals Most Valuable Player after her ultimate comeback score propelled the team to its first Shakey’s V-League Open Conference crown.
“We are so proud of the PLDT HOME Ultera Ultra-Fast Hitters for their victory at this year’s Shakey’s V-League,” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali said. “They have done tremendously well throughout the entire season as a team and as individuals, and we are honoured to have them represent our brand and inspire the country towards sports excellence. It was an exciting and memorable season not only for the participants, but also for the volleyball enthusiasts and their families who enjoyed and supported each game.”
Presented by PLDT HOME Ultera, the Ultra-Fast LTE for a Happy Family, the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Open Conference ran from April 5, 2015 to May 31, 2015. A total of eight teams participated in this league including PLDT, Baguio, Cagayan Valley, Fourbees, Meralco, Coast Guard, Navy and Philippine Army.
Coached by Roger Gorayeb, the PLDT HOME Ultera women’s team consists of skilled volleybelles Team Captain Suzanne Roces, Alyssa Valdez, Rubie De Leon, Rysabelle Devanadera, Gretchel Soltones, Elaine Kasilag, Amanda Villanueva, Ma. Asuncion Mendiola, Laurence Ann Latigay, Jam Ferrer, Charo Soriano, Denden Lazaro and Lizlee Ann Pantone.
Shakey’s V-League is among the projects highly supported by PLDT HOME Ultera as part of its sports advocacy. Earlier this summer, PLDT HOME Ultera also implemented the Install Patrol tour together with the country’s top coaches, volleyball superstars and the local government units, in which they visited numerous cities nationwide to promote volleyball to young athletes at the grassroots level.