Former Ateneo Lady Eagles Valdez, Lazaro reunite with V-League team

MANILA, Philippines – Former members of the Ateneo Lady Eagles will reunite for new club Bali Pure in the upcoming first conference of the 13th season of the Shakey’s V-League that begins on Saturday, May 28 at the San Juan Arena.

A report by The Philippine Star notes that former Ateneo women’s volleyball players Alyssa Valdez, Amy Ahomiro, Denden Lazaro, Mae Tajima, Dzi Gervacio, and Charo Soriano will be part of the team, as confirmed by Lady Eagles team manager Tony Liao.

Valdez, a 3-time UAAP MVP, played with former UAAP Best Libero Lazaro, Ahomiro, and Tajima during the Lady Eagles’ championship runs in 2014 and 2015. 

Bali Pure will also have reigning NCAA women’s volleyball MVP Gretchel Soltones, Alyssa Eroa, Ruby de Leon, and Jannine Marciano in its loaded roster. 

“It will be an interesting team to watch,” said Liao in the report.

Valdez, who announced after her Ateneo career came to an end that she’s open to playing in the V-League and internationally, is no stranger to the tourney after winning Best Server, Best Scorer, and two MVP awards in the past.

Her head coach at Ateneo, Tai Bundit, meanwhile, will handle another V-League team in Pocari Sweat (formerly Philips Gold) while Soriano acts as the playing coach for Bali Pure. 

Soriano also was the playing-coach for Ateneo’s team in 2011 when the Lady Eagles won the first conference championship.

Other teams joining the V-League include KIA, Iriga City, Mighty Sports, National University, and University of the Philippines.

Update: Gretchen Ho was previously included in this report as being part of Bali Pure’s roster, as well as in reports of other media. But on Friday, May 20, the TV host and athlete denied the report.

“I would just like to clear out that I’m not playing for the [V-League] this season,” Ho tweeted, also mentioning she is concentrating on start-up league, the Beach Volleyball Republic.

Hi everyone, in the light of the recent press releases, I would just like to clear out that I’m not playing for the vleague this season. …

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 20, 2016

Not sure abt who confirmed it & why, but most probably you’ll find me playing more on the sand court real soon. Thanks and see you @bvr_ph!

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) May 20, 2016

– Rappler.com