Valdez tows Lady Eagles to victory over Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines – Two-time MVP Alyssa Valdez spearheaded the assault as titlist Ateneo outclassed University of Santo Tomas in four, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-15, to gain a share of the lead in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at a packed Filoil Flying V Arena yesterday.

Valdez dropped 23 points, including 20 kills as the Lady Eagles notched their second straight win for a share of the lead with arch rival La Salle.

Jhoana Maraguinot backed Valdez up with 12 markers in a game where AdMU’s defensive flaws were somehow exposed.

Valdez said they have to really adjust to fill in the big shoes left by reliable defenders and receivers Denden Lazaro and Ella de Jesus, who graduated at the end of Season 77, and Mitch Morente, who is out due to academic issues.

“Since we lost three key defenders and receivers, we can see our weakness and struggles and as the tournament goes on, we have to adjust every game, every set,” said Valdez.

The Lady Eagles only had five excellent receptions against the hard-fighting and youthful Tigresses.

After getting the better of UST in the first set, Ateneo won the second with relative ease after storming to a 20-12 cushion. UST put up a mighty fightback in the third, using a 22-18 upperhand to stay alive. Valdez took over in the fourth and helped AdMU race to 13-6 and put UST away for good.

“We all know UST – it’s a team that fights. Even though they’re young, they have big hearts and will really give everyone a good fight,” said Valdez.

Cherry Rondina, who had 30 in a losing game to Adamson last week, paced the 0-2 Tigresses with 21.

Far Eastern U rolled past University of the East, 25-18, 25-11, 21-25, 25-14, to join a four-team pack with identical 1-1 records.

Toni Rose Basas and Heather Anne Guino-o scored 15 apiece as the Lady Tams tied idle University of the Philippines, National U and Adamson behind the frontrunners.

Shaya Adorador dished out a 23-point effort for the Lady Warriors, who fell to 0-2.