Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alyssa Valdez and the Ateneo Lady Eagles entered San Juan Arena as favorites to win the title in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference.
With the momentum on their side after a Game 1 drubbing of the National University Lady Bulldogs, and large crowd behind them, the Lady Eagles were primed for a championship sweep.
NU, however, had other plans in mind and it involves extending the title series to a deciding Game 3.
Valdez, the Ateneo skipper, praised the Lady Bulldogs for “giving a good fight” which the Lady Eagles weren’t ready for.
“We didn’t do our part as a team,” Valdez said after Ateneo’s 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 loss.
“I think it’s going to be the same from our last loss, this would be a learning experience. I hope we can correct our mistakes and be consistently motivated.”
No one finished in double-figures for Ateneo. Not even Valdez, who led the Lady Eagles with measly nine points.
Ateneo also had poor reception that had the team scrambling for formation in offense.
Raring to bounce back, Valdez and the Lady Eagles are bracing for their toughest challenge yet.
“NU is going to give us a good fight, a hell of a fight.”