22 November 2014,
Saturday,
5:30 p.m.,
SM Mall of Asia Arena,
Pasay City
The fans were screaming themselves hoarse for Alyssa Valdez all afternoon.
For three sets, the five-foot-nine star spiker of the Ateneo Lady Eagles did not disappoint.
She was impressive with a gamehigh 28 hits as the defending champion Lady Eagles outplayed the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-21,25-18, 25-15.
(Alyssa Valdez (left) scores on a spike past NU rivals Jaja Santiago (3) and Rizza Mandapat(7)).
Her big efforts helped the Lady Eagles take the early lead with University of Santo Tomas in the start of the 77th University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament last Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The win was quite unexpected for the Lady Eagles, who got the momentum after they quickly took charge in the first set, 25-21.
“Hindi namin ine-expect na ganoon kadali ang game, nagkataon lang na maganda ang laro ng lahat kaya maganda ang result,” said Valdez, who took the MVP honors when they won the crown last year from La Salle.
(Ateneo Lady Eagles coachAnusorn Bundit).
The Lady Bulldogs were stunned by Ateneo’s booming serves in the first set, and they still could not figure it out in the second second set as well.
The Lady Eagles moved, 4-1, in the start of the second, before NU caught up stayed within striking distance, 13-15, behind a block from Fatima General and Rizza Jane Mandapat’s kill.
After that, Valdez stepped in.
(Isabelle Beatriz de Leon is about to hit a spike) past NU defender Marites Pablo(17).
Ateneo moved away, 19-13, on a kill from the right side and a pair of aces from Valdez.
Valdez scored on six spike points in the start of the third, allowing Ateneo to move away, 7-5.
A net errors from NU and rookie Isabelle de Leon’s block then saw the Ateneo taking a 9-5 edge.
(NU’s Jorelle Singh (14) receives the ball, while Ateneo spikers Isabelle de Leon (14), Amy Ahomiro (16) and Jorella de Jesus (8) prepare to defend).
NU then managed to tie the count 14-all on a pair of placement shots from Mandapat.
And that was NU’s last time to tie the match.
Valdez struck four times in the next instant, with her kills sending Ateneo ahead, 19-14.
(Denise Michelle Lazaro (13) goes for a hit, while teammates Amy Ahomiro (16), Jorella de Jesus (8) and Julia Morado get ready.)
“Today’s game was very good. He (coach Anusorn Bundit) was so happy because all the things that he planned came out,” said manager Tonyboy Liao on behalf of Ateneo coach Anusorn Bundit.
NU’s Jaja Santiago had 16 points during their 73 minute encounter.
-Other results
Skipper Pam Lastimosa, rookie EJ Laure and Ria Meneses shone as University of Santo Tomas had a winning start as it routed University of the East, 25-11, 25-12, 25-14, in the other women’s encounter.
Lastimosa unloaded 12 hits, Laure, the former high school MVP, debuted with eight points, including two blocks.
Meneses also had two blocks to finish with seven points for the Tigresses, who needed only one hour and 14 minutes to dispose the Lady Warriors.
“We wanted to start the season right,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon, whose wards will face a huge test against former champion De La Salle on Nov. 30.
“But this game is not really a gauge because UE is rebuilding and they have new players. We are not underestimating them because maraming nabago sa kanila.”
Earlier, National University opened its title retention bid in the men’s division with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-12 win over Adamson University, with Reuben Inaudito leading the way with 14 points, including five blocks.
Coach Francis Vicente made his debut for the Lady Warriors, but his troops looked tentative and nervous all throughout the match.
Angelica Dacaymat had six points while Shaya Adorador chipped in five for UE.
Last season’s runner-up Ateneo downed Far Eastern University, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20 in the other men’s match.
Reigning MVP Marck Espejo fired 15 points, Rex Intal had 12 points, including four service aces and two blocks.
Joshua Villanueva had two blocks for a 10-point showing for the Blue Eagles.
Pektus Corner 