Valdez ‘proud’ of Ateneo teammates in win over UST without her

Alyssa Valdez PHOTO BY TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Valdez couldn’t be any prouder to see Ateneo win without her.

Valdez was advised by head coach Tai Bundit to take a break from volleyball to prevent fatigue but the bubbly 22-year-old was still very much involved during the game as her team’s biggest cheerleader on Saturday.

“I feel really proud cheering for these girls,” said Valdez after the depleted Lady Eagles beat the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in four sets in the opening day of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference.

READ: Alyssa Valdez-less Ateneo beats UST in V-League opener

“They’re really working hard in training every day twice a day so they really deserve everything. I’m really proud of them,” Valdez said.

Ateneo also played minus the injured Jia Morado and incoming rookie Kat Tolentino, who hurt her right knee during warmups before the game.

“We told her (Tolentino) that ‘she got this.’ She’s working hard and she has a lot of time to prepare for the UAAP,” said Valdez on her Fil-Canadian teammate Tolentino.

Valdez also rued the chance of playing alongside her Ateneo teammates.

“I really wanted to play because it’s been a long time since I’ve played with these girls so I’m really excited and I miss playing with my teammates,” she said.

Valdez added it was weird for her not to be part in the game especially when she shouts from the bench.

“It’s weird that I’m shouting even though I’m not playing because usually I shout when I’m on the court playing, giving instructions and to boost the morale of my teammates,” Valdez said.

“Now, I wonder if they can hear me and at the same time, watching them made me see their passion and hard work.”