FILE – Alyssa Valdez, left, and Jeffrey Jimenez during the opening of the 13th season of the Shakey’s V-League. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Alyssa Valdez has left the Lady Eagles’ nest in Katipunan, but from what she saw on Sunday the former queen of Ateneo knows her young empire is in capable hands.
Ateneo had its best game of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament when it snapped University of the Philippines’ four-game winning streak with a 25-14, 25-19, 25-21 beatdown.
The win was the Lady Eagles’ fourth straight to propel them to the top spot with a 5-1 record.
“I can’t explain how proud I am of those girls,” said Valdez after the match at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. “I’m their older sister before and I saw what they were before and I can see what they are now.”
“All of their sacrifices, their determination to work, it was all worth it.
Valdez was Ateneo’s talisman during her time with the Lady Eagles, leading them to back-to-back UAAP titles in her third and fourth year.
She also won three straight MVPs during her stint with Ateneo.
“I hope they keep on enjoying what they do, and that’s playing volleyball, and I hope they’re always happy inside and outside of the court.”
Valdez now plays in the Thai League for 3BB Nakornnont. She was able to return to the Philippines for the national team tryout held in Davao.
She’ll return to Thailand next week to continue her club career.