Valdez, Ateneo test NU’s mettle

Alyssa Valdez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

VOLLEYBALL star Alyssa Valdez seeks a grand exit as Ateneo kicks off its bid for a third straight championship in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament this Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles clash with National University at 4 p.m. with Valdez expected to make the most out of her fifth and final playing year.

Amy Ahomiro, Jho Maraguinot, Bea de Leon and setter Jia Morado also return to help the Lady Eagles’ campaign along with Thai coach Tai Bundit.

The Lady Bulldogs, though, hope to play the spoilers’ role right on opening day with towering Jaja Santiago together with Myla Pablo, Jorelle Singh, Ivy Perez and much-improved libero Bia General at the helm.

University of the Philippines, boasting a formidable rookie class, tangles with University of the East at 2 p.m.

In men’s action, Ateneo also starts its back-to-back championship bid versus University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m.