Ateneo’s Gequillana plays ‘crucial’ role in finals opener

Ateneo’s Kim Gequillana (18) tries to score against UST’s Jessey de Leon. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Kim Gequillana found out that she could be more than just a second fiddle to volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez.

The high-flying outside hitter emerged from the shadows of her more popular teammate Sunday, leading Ateneo in the crucial stages for a 25-19, 25-13, 25-21 victory over National University in the championship opener for the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference crown.

Silently stationed at the net, Gequillana hammered the Lady Bulldogs thrice late in the deciding set as the Lady Eagles sprang back from a four-point deficit to sweep Game 1 of their best-of-three titular series.

Valdez, who emerged Most Valuable Player of the conference, had another fantastic performance with 20 points, highlighted by 15 hits, on top of two blocks and three service aces.

“We really played as a team. Many of us got sick the past week, but we were able to maintain good condition,” said Valdez after receiving her second MVP award in the league.

Gequillana finished with 10 spikes while setter Gizelle Tan had 24 excellent sets that the Eagles converted into vicious hits despite the absence of head coach Tai Bundit, who attended a coaching seminar in Thailand.

“What Kim did was crucial. It will definitely boost her confidence in the coming games,” said Valdez.

Besides the MVP, Valdez also took home the 1st Best Outside Spiker award while Tan was named best setter of the conference. 

UST’s EJ Laure got the 2nd Best Outside Spiker plum, NU’s Jaja Santiago 1st Best Middle Blocker, Ateneo’s Isabelle De Leon 2nd Best Middle Blocker and Fatima General Best Libero.

Game 2 is set next Sunday also at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Gequillana’s brisk kill near the net post evened matters at 20 before going for another hit to a spot the Lady Bulldogs failed to cover. 

Jhoanna Maraguinot scored on a spike at match point after Gequillana’s service ace and the Lady Eagles doomed NU for good.

Sans top hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who joined the national team in a club tournament in Vietnam, the Bulldogs struggled throughout and leaned on Myla Pablo, Jorelle Singh and Santiago but to no avail.

“What’s happening? You need to be confident, especially in reception,” NU coach Roger Gorayeb told the Lady Bulldogs. “It we can’t receive, we can’t get any attack.”