Lady Eagles eye 14-0 in women’s volley; Eaglets win away from juniors crown

Alyssa Valdez of the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo shoots for an outright championship berth in women’s volleyball Wednesday even as the Blue Eaglets moved within a win of the juniors basketball crown in the UAAP Tuesday.

Riding on Alyssa Valdez’s sharp form all season long, the Lady Eagles target a 14-0 sweep versus fierce rival La Salle in the women’s volleyball tournament at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena.

“We have to be mentally prepared,” said Valdez.

A perfect elimination run will assure the Lady Eagles an automatic slot in the Finals and a huge thrice-to-beat advantage.

The Lady Spikers, running second at 12-1, hope to spoil the defending champions’ perfect bid in this rematch of last season’s Finals.

“As long as Valdez is there, we won’t have the advantage,” said La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus, noting that Ateneo remains potent despite recent injuries that hit some Lady Eagles.

In juniors basketball, Ateneo outlasted National University, 78-76, in Game 2 of the Finals at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Jolo Mendoza scattered 20 points as the Blue Eaglets recovered from their first loss of the season last week when the Bullpups prevailed, 76-72, in Game 1.

The Eaglets, who hold a thrice-to-beat edge after a 14-0 sweep of the eliminations, will aim for the crown in Game 3 on Friday also in San Juan.

“In Game 1 we were really tight,” said Ateneo coach Joe Silva. “We were so excited, we wanted to win, but we forgot how we do it.”