Valdez, Lady Eagles crush Lady Maroons to nail finals slot

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The defending champions are back in the finals.

Ateneo will head into its fifth straight finals after it destroyed University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, at the start of the Final Four in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. 

Reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez crushed all of the Lady Maroons’ hopes, scoring the Lady Eagles’ final five points.

The Lady Eagles inched closer to their goal of pulling off a ‘three-peat.’ They will face the winner between No. 2 De La Salle and No. 3 Far Eastern University.

With UP pulling to within a point, 19-18, after trailing, 15-10, in the third set, Valdez, with the help from setter Jia Morado, took over for Ateneo. 

“Si Jia binigay, si Jia talaga,” Valdez said beaming. “As a senior you really want to help the team and contribute not only sa points, not only sa spiking but also sa digs and receive.”

“I’m just lucky to get a point,” Valdez said.

Jhoana Maraguinot had a game-high 17 points while Valdez, the graduating superstar, finished with 16 points, two of which coming off blocks.

Nicole Tiamzon was the lone Lady Maroon to net double-digits in scoring as she finished with 13.

It was a double celebration for Ateneo after its men’s team also returned to the championship round following a straight-sets victory over UP, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16. The Blue Eagles booked their third consecutive finals trip.