Valdez, Ateneo ‘relieved’ after 5-set win over La Salle

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Valdez and her Ateneo Lady Eagles took a thorough beating in the first round of the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament when they were embarrassed by the De La Salle Lady Spikers in straight sets.

That setback was followed with another loss to University of the Philippines as the once impregnable squad wasn’t really invulnerable after all.

READ: La Salle denies Ateneo of first round sweep

But on Sunday, Valdez and the Lady Eagles reminded the rest of the league why they’re tipped to win a third straight crowd before the season started as they flexed their muscle and returned the favor — outlasting the Lady Spikers in five sets to clinch the top seeding.

READ: Ateneo gets back at La Salle, clinches top spot

“Relieved” was the word Valdez used to describe the feeling after eking out a thrilling win in a big game.

“We don’t feel relieved because we beat La Salle,” said Valdez, who redeemed herself with 24 points after being limited to only 11 points in their first round encounter. “It’s more of we’re relieved because we’re able to show our game and I think for an athlete and for the team, it also gives us confidence.”

Ateneo hasn’t lost since and the team hopes to ride the momentum of its six-game winning streak into the Final Four.

“I’m hoping we really got our confidence back after today’s match.”