Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo overwhelmed a depleted National University side, 25-19, 25-13, 25-21, to take Game 1 of their best-of-three finals duel in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Lady Eagles skipper Alyssa Valdez finished with a game-high 20 points but she also got help from sidekicks Kim Gequillana and Jho Maraguinot.
Gequillana and Maraguinot flourished in the clutch with both providing the game-clinching points for the Lady Eagles.
“[This win is] for the coaches,” said Valdez. “They are really working hard to keep us in peak condition even without Coach Tai.”
Head coach Tai Bundit is in Thailand attending an annual coaching seminar.
National University, which played without its star middle blocker Dindin Santiago-Manabat, aims to extend the series to a deciding Game 3 on Sunday.
Gequillana wound up with 11 points while Maraguinot chipped in nine.
Myla Pablo led the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points while Jaja Santiago was limited to measly seven points.
Despite outscoring NU 35-29 in spikes, the Lady Eagles gave away 24 free points due to errors.