Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
When Alyssa Valdez left Ateneo due to graduation, things seemed bleak for the Lady Eagles.
There were talk that Ateneo would not have the same success it had during the Valdez era where it won two titles and reached the finals five straight times, yet on Saturday the Lady Eagles managed to exceed expectations.
Ateneo completed its eliminations sweep of De La Salle and topped the standings of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament with a 12-2 record in the process.
“It’s something that’s really fulfilling for everyone on the team because not a lot of people expected us to come out on top, let alone reach the semifinals,” said skipper Jia Morado after their four-set win over the Lady Spikers 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course we’re really happy with the result today.”
Ateneo’s second win over La Salle also seemed more impressive than its first, where it won 26-24, 26-24, 21-25, 25-17, since outside hitter Jhoana Maraguinot was given the day off.
Morado said they have prepared not to rely much on their usual starters and that was in display on Saturday when seldom-used rookie Jules Samonte took over Maraguinot’s role to befuddle the Lady Spikers.
“We make it a point, in training, to use everyone so that when they come in the game they will always be ready to play,” said Morado, who had 34 excellent sets in the game. “So we weren’t surprised that we had a different first six, and we actually expected today’s rotation.”