V-League: Valdez explosion lifts Smart past Air Force

Alyssa Valdez exploded for 25 points to lift Smart-Maynilad to a 25-23 22-25 25-15 25-18 victory over the Philippine Air Force, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Arena, in the Shakey's V-League Season 10 Open Conference quarterfinals.

With the win, Smart-Maynilad forged a tie against their foes at 3-3, as teams carried over their records against other quarterfinal opponents.

Valdez' 25 were a game-high in points, but she was just one part of a devastating two-punch combo with Lithawat Kesinee, who added 18 markers. No other Smart-Maynilad played scored in double-figures, but Grethcel Soltones provided seven after coming off the bench in the first set.

Judy Ann Caballejo paced Air Force with 17 markers, while Joy Caces had 11. Team captain Liza De Ramos chimed in with nine points, four via blocks.

Back in round one, Air Force had swept Smart-Maynilad, 25-22 25-18 25-17. - AMD, GMA News