Valdez game-changer in Ateneo-NU V-League finals series

Alyssa Valdez. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Valdez is just too prolific that the Ateneo ace could single-handedly decide the outcome of a championship match.

At least that’s how rival coaches Parley Tupas of Ateneo and National U’s Roger Gorayeb see it in the winner-take-all finale of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference come Sunday.

READ: Valdez says finals loss to NU a learning experience for Ateneo

“She’s a player who can lift her team just by one hit. If she plays well, it will be impossible to beat Ateneo,’’ said Gorayeb, Valdez’ former coach, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Shakey’s Malate on Tuesday.

Apart from her high efficiency rating on the floor, the volleyball phenom has a magnetic appeal that can lure the crowd.

“One thing scary about Alyssa is that she commands the crowd. I guess that’s Ateneo’s advantage over us,’’ added Gorayeb.

READ: Valdez wins another V-League MVP, wants title for Ateneo

Valdez, the conference MVP, pummelled the Lady Bulldogs with 20 hits that led a 25-19, 25-13, 25-21, victory for the Lady Eagles in their best-of-three series opener last week.

The Lady Bulldogs, however, managed to contain the power-smashing Valdez in the second game for a 25-22, 25-17, 25-17 win to force the rubber match.

“Alyssa has no injuries, she just didn’t play well,’’ said Tupas, who calls the shots for the Lady Eagles after head coach Tai Bundit attending a coaching seminar in Thailand. “We hope she plays well in Game 3.’’

READ: Valdez recalls memories with former coach as Ateneo clashes with NU

Dindin Santiago-Manabat, a 6-foot-2 hitter who skipped the series opener, is expected to boost NU’s chances, along with 6-foot-6 sister Jaja Santiago.

“She (Manabat) helps us in a way because she can hit and she can block. But the crucial thing is to receive the ball well, so we can utilize our height advantage,’’ said Gorayeb.

Also present during the weekly forum backed by Accel, San Miguel Corporation and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation was Sports Vision president Ricky Palou, who announced the third conference on Oct. 10.

He said they’ve limited the teams to the third conference to six teams but they are allowed two imports each.