Ahead of La Salle match, Ateneo gets confidence boost off UE win

Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

If there was something Ateneo gained from its commanding three-set rout of University of the East on Wednesday, it was that the Lady Eagles had the chance to give their seconds stringers some much needed exposure.

The Lady Eagles got 10 points for Valdez but had ample support from the rest of the team, which gives the team a bost ahead of the big game against La Salle on Saturday.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo closes in on first round sweep, routs UE

“For sure, coach Tai (Bundit) is happy na napaglaro nya yung mga bata to build up their confidence,” said Lady Eagles star Alyssa Valdez.

Though Ateneo was the hands down favorite in the match, the reigning MVP admitted that her squad isn’t taking any team lightly, even if the lowly Lady Warriors.

“Every game naman, we’re thinking of the end goal of the team. Even if may kailangan kaming goal na maglaro ng maayos, di pa rin mawawala kay coach Tai na sabihin nya na we really have to play as a team and play happy inside the court,” she said. “Dun namin nakukuha yung strength ng team, yung commitment as a team and with every one.”

READ: Lady Eagles waste little time brushing off Lady Warriors

And that laser focus of the Lady Eagles will come in handy as they brace against the Lady Spikers with a first round sweep bid at stake.

Facing off for the first time since the Season 77 Finals, the two squads renew their rivalry, albeit this time, the green side will now have Ara Galang on its starting six.

Valdez and her crew knows how big of a threat La Salle is.

“We always say that La Salle has a good system. They’re prepared every time they go in a game and they will always go back to that system whether they’re down or up. They have that standard that through the years, na-polish na nila.”

But Ateneo is the defending champ for a reason, and Valdez believes that the Lady Eagles will be more than ready for the challenge of the Lady Spikers.

“Kami rin naman, every game pinaghahandaan namin,” she said. “Siguro si coach Tai, pahihirapan nya rin kami at gagawin nya yung trabaho nya para ma-guide kami kung ano ang dapat naming gawin sa Saturday.”