Gretchel Soltones named Shakey’s V-League Open Conference MVP

MANILA, Philippines – The soft-spoken but power-hitting Gretchel Soltones may not have carried Bali Pure to the championship round, but her outstanding play was recognized after bagging the Most Valuable Player plum in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Open Conference on Saturday, July 16. 

The two-time and the reigning NCAA MVP from San Sebastian College averaged 15 points per game from the eliminations round to the semifinals.

Her Bali Pure Coach Charo Soriano expressed her praises to the Cebu-native. 

“Gretchel proved that she is no longer the young Gretchel Soltones but the mature veteran in the game of volleyball,” Soriano said. 

Another Bali Pure star Alyssa Valdez, together with Pocari Sweat’s Myla Pablo nabbed the first and second Best Outside Hitter awards, respectively.

Pocari Sweat won the majority of the individual awards with Team Captain and former De La Salle University ace Michele Gumabao leading the pack as she was named as the Best Opposite Spiker. Aside from being an all-around attacker and defender, Gumabao has also shown leadership on the court which is was one of the key factors that carried her team to the finals. 

Another La Salle Lady Spiker alumna Melissa Gohing was recognized as Best Libero.

Despite NU and UP’s failure to achieve a podium finish, Jaja Santiago and Kathy Bersola were cited as the first and second Best Middle Blockers, respectively. The two young volleyball stalwarts will next face each other in the Season 79 of the UAAP collegiate volleyball wars.

Lastly, the Best Setter Award went to Wendy Semana. The Philippine Air Force Team Captain used to play for the championship team of the FEU Lady Tamaraws and has been playing in the Shakey’s V-League for 10 years already. This time around, Semana will try to give her team a championship crown as they battle Pocari Sweat in a do-or-die game on Monday. – Rappler.com