Alyssa Valdez-led Ateneo dominates NU
Defending champion Ateneo kicked off its title-retention bid with a shutout of National University, 25-21, 25-18, 25-15, in the opener of the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez came through with 25 points, 20 off attacks, that went with two blocks and six aces for the Lady Eagles.
“We’re very happy because we won our first game but we didn’t expect the result of the game,” said the high-leaping Valdez.
“I guess it’s just good timing that everyone played well and coach Tai also motivated us for this game.”
Valdez, the fourth-year spiker, scored on three consecutive aces to close out the Lady Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs hardly looked like the team they were before without their former star Dindin Santiago.
Jaja Santiago paced NU, which couldn’t sustain its strong start in the third set, with 16 points.
Ella de Jesus tallied 10 points for the Lady Eagles, who took a 19-14 advantage in the third set after Michelle Morente hit through the block.
Valdez finished the job scoring five of Ateneo’s last six points.
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