Valdez, Ateneo aim to avenge loss vs La Salle

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo was on the verge of an undefeated run in the first round of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament but on that fateful day in February, its fierce rival De La Salle went on to spoil the fun.

La Salle took only three sets to destroy the defending champions, but two-time MVP Alyssa Valdez is poised to get back at the team they’ve beaten in their previous encounters last season.

“Lagi naman andun gigil and yung excitement (There’s always that eagerness and excitement),” Valdez said Wednesday after the Lady Eagles’ masterful romp of University of the East. 

READ: La Salle denies Ateneo of first round sweep in UAAP volleyball

Ateneo had an unbeaten run of 24 games stretching back to Season 76 but it would only take a sweep from the Lady Spikers to see them crashing back to earth.

Then it was University of the Philippines’ turn to take down Ateneo, handing the Lady Eagles a second straight setback this season.

READ: After securing top 2, DLSU focus shifts to Final 4

Valdez added despite having the urge to avenge their loss, the team should remain calm on the lead up for Sunday’s game.

“We still have to stay focused, stay calm, and stay happy inside and outside of the court,” said Valdez, whose Lady Eagles will clash with the Lady Spikers anew on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.