Valdez sets Ateneo’s mood in path to Finals redemption

Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez during practice. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

With Ateneo down 1-0 in its Finals series against arch rivals De La Salle, it’s up to its leader to rally the Lady Eagles to redemption.

Alyssa Valdez has been Ateneo’s rock ever since assuming the role as a team captain, and with that came two MVPs for her and two UAAP Women’s Volleyball titles for the school.

It’s no surprise that the Lady Eagles will lean on Valdez to stay together on Wednesday’s Game 2.

Ateneo’s Monday training at Blue Eagle Gym wasn’t all fun and games, though it eventually loosened up in the latter parts; Valdez was smack in the middle of it, setting the tempo for a team that’s one loss away from saying goodbye to the crown.

“Ganun talaga kami, and eventually you get the hang of it sa training, you’re gonna set the mood,” Valdez said who had 17 points in their Game 1 loss. “You’re gonna see your teammates, titignan ka nila na focused ka, yung coaches mo makikita ka rin.”

Valdez and her Lady Eagles experienced a 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 beating as the Lady Spikers rained down upon them with green arrows their blue feathers could not swat away.

La Salle scored on 41 points off spikes and Ateneo had 37 but the Lady Eagles only managed two points off blocks.

Ateneo’s practice was a far cry to the team’s “happy” on-court demeanor where everyone’s smiling and prancing around every time they score. In training, it was like a crime to make a mistake.

A single error would force a player to repeat the whole drill and Valdez, as focused as ever, was no exception.

Valdez said she has to set that “no mistake” mood within the team, who are also dealing with school work amid the UAAP grind, so everyone else will follow.

“Kailangan talaga ganun ka focus, and eventually makukuha na galaw,” Valdez said. “Kasi lahat yan pagod from school, kailangan talagang i-set.”

And just as any team, there’s a bond that connects the coaches to the players and the link is almost familial in strength.

“Andyan sila coach to remind you they’re right there, then you’re going to feel you’re really not alone and everyone’s really going to help you perform.”