V-League: Valdez, Bualee sizzle as Ateneo gains 1-0 lead in semis vs UST

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo fought back from a one set down and trimmed University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-14, Tuesday to get within a win of a finals spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 First Conference.

Led by the Alyssa Valdez and their new power-hitting import Jeng Bualee and guest player Rachel Daquis, the Lady Eagles exhausted the Tigresses in a tedious third set before going for the kill in the fourth.

Valdez sizzled with 25 points while Bualee added 19 as they combined for seven blocks for Ateneo, which acquired the veteran Thai import after San Sebastian got eliminated.

A fierce attack by Bualee and a finisher by Daquis ended the third set, where the Lady Eagles escaped the Tigresses’ set point-opportunity twice.

UST just came out demoralized in the fifth set and Ateneo took advantage, building a huge lead en route to a game one win in their best-of-three semifinals series.

Maika Ortiz led the Tigresses with 13 points.