Enjoying the game key to winning, says Valdez

Ateneo Lady Eagles share a laugh after winning over La Salle Lady Spikers in Battle of the Rivals. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Laughter is indeed the best medicine.

And Alyssa Valdez believes Ateneo’s laid-back mentality on Sunday propelled itself to a thrilling five-set victory over La Salle in Battle of the Rivals.

“All this time, we’re just laughing,” a beaming Valdez shared.

With the Lady Eagles feeling the pressure early on after going down 0-2, Valdez said the team opted to take things lightly and eventually settled down, joking with each other and just enjoyed their time on the floor.

“We told ourselves that it’s humiliating [if we lose in straight sets], so we calmed down and tried to get a set. Honestly speaking, we just told each other to fight because there’s a lot who came out to support us. Coach Tai (Bundit) also said the same, that the score doesn’t matter and we really just have to enjoy,” she said.

And they did enjoy as Valdez and company relished the rare chance to play with their former teammates.

“It’s been a while since we played together as a team. This is the core of Seasons 76 and 77 and we’re really just happy,” Valdez said.

 “We no longer knew what was happening on the floor, but we just played for all. When you see us, we’re just enjoying the game and it boosts our morale.”

Valdez, though, made it clear that as great of an experience it was for them, the main purpose of the exhibition game will always be for the benefit of the scholars of both schools.

“We really enjoyed the game and it’s been a while since we played Ateneo-La Salle and we’re glad that La Salle gave us a good fight, not only for the scholars, but also for pride and the fans who came here to watch,” she said.