Ateneo guns for 2 volley title slots vs UP

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

ATENEO’S two defending champions go for title berths Saturday and the school’s biggest star Alyssa Valdez wants them to act like the leaders that they are in the UAAP volleyball tournament.

“It’s really a bonus for us being on top,” said Valdez, the league’s two-time MVP. “But being on top means more responsibilities. We have to work hard to maintain it and we have to be consistent.”

Led by Valdez, the Lady Eagles clash with the young University of the Philippines at the start of the women’s Final Four at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Blue Eagles, the elimination topnotcher just like their women counterparts, also battle the UP Maroons in the men’s semifinals at 2 p.m.

Both Ateneo squads hold a twice-to-beat advantage, the incentive given to the top two seeds.

No. 2 La Salle and Far Eastern University collide in the other women’s semifinal series tomorrow, also at MOA Arena.

The Lady Eagles, mentored by Thai coach Tai Bundit, ruled the double-round eliminations with a 12-2 record.

It was the Lady Maroons, though, who dealt one of those upsets, a 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22 decision last month.

UP coach Jerry Yee hopes the Lady Maroons, bannered by top rookies Isa Molde, Diana Carlos and Justine Dorog, can draw confidence from that huge win.