PROVING her defensive saves and digs were all worth it, Alas Pilipinas libero Justine Jazareno emerged as the best libero in the 5th Southeast Asia V.League in Vietnam where the Philippines finished third for the fourth straight time.
Jazareno is delivering big-time defensive contributions for the Philippines in the four-nation contest to bag her first international individual accolade, following the footsteps of fellow Alas mainstay and decorated libero Dawn Catindig.
Despite being a non-scorer, the product of De La Salle University played huge defensively in Alas’ bronze medal finish in the second leg of the competition where they beat Indonesia last Sunday for the bronze 25-17, 25-17, 28-26.
The Filipina spikers will be back in action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.
Vietnam ruled the tourney for its first SEA V.League title, dethroning eight-time titlist Thailand in a come-from-behind five-setter 17-25, 24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 16-14.
Vietnamese spiker Nguyen ThiBichTuyen was hailed as the second leg’s Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Spiker as the host nation snapped Thailand’s 26-game winning streak.
Thai hitter Chatchu-on Moksri and Vi ThiNhuQuynh of Vietnam were named as the Best Outside Spikers.
Completing the individual awardees were Vietnamese Tran ThiBichThuy and Thai ThanapanWimonrat, who snagged the Best Middle Blockers plums, while veteran player maker PornpunGuedpard of Thailand was named the Best Setter.
