Ateneo, NU win in V-League opener

MANILA, Philippines—Alyssa Valdez was in her usual scoring ways as Ateneo beat University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20, Sunday in the opener of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 first conference at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Valdez churned in 22 points, 20 of which came in kills where the Tigresses had little chance of defending.

Guest player Rachel Ann Daquis, the former Far Eastern University star, had 12 points for the Lady Eagles.

Aiza Maizo led UST with 12 points while Carmela Tunay, who was a revelation in the Tigresses Final Four run in Season 75, added 10.

Meanwhile, National University drew a combined 41 points from Dindin Santiago and Myla Pablo to upend Arellano, 25-21, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20.

Santiago had a team-high 22 points while Pablo tallied 19.

Jaja Santiago, Dindin’s younger but taller sister who’s expected to join the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP Season, showed a glimpse of what she can bring to NU with 12 points as a guest player.

May Jean Balse and Nene Bautista scored 15 and 13 points respectively for the Lady Chiefs.