Alyssa Valdez, Lady Eagles face pressure as Ateneo chases 3-peat

Danielle Nakpil

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Alyssa Valdez, Lady Eagles face pressure as Ateneo chases 3-peat
The pressure of being back-to-back champions, plus the departure of Denden Lazaro, Ella De Jesus and others, present new challenges for Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines- Last year was a spectacular season for the Ateneo Lady Eagles after ending their campaign with an impressive 16-0 sweep, capped off with a second straight championship. A solid and “heartstrong” Ateneo squad bannered by two-time Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez spelled domination over the league.

But after losing vital cogs Denden Lazaro, Ella De Jesus and Aeriel Patnongon to graduation, the Katipunan-based squad will face a tougher battle in the upcoming Season 78. The Queen Eagle, however, is optimistic enough to take this on as a challenge

“Pressure is always there. But as a senior, you should know how to handle your pressure.  My teammates and coaches are there so we could help each other to turn that pressure into a challenge to be better as a team,” Valdez told Rappler.

The Ateneo Volleyball star knows it’s now her time as a senior, together with another graduating teammate Finals MVP Amy Ahomiro, to step up and lead the team on and off the court.  

“It’s a new battle for us, a new challenge,” she added.

Valdez has been a significant factor in both of Ateneo’s UAAP Seasons 76 and 77 titles. And as she exits the collegiate leagues this year, the 22-year-old spiker is determined to gun for their third crown with the same old formula.

Defense is key

The prolific offense of Valdez and Ahomiro was key, the Lady Eagles may have never brought home the crown without the defensive muscle provided by Lazaro and De Jesus. And now that they have lost go-to defenders to manage the backcourt, libero Gizelle Tan is expected to step up.

Returnee Mae Tajima who stands 6-foot-2, is someone to count on in terms of net defense while setter Jia Morado has already recovered from knee surgery and is healthy enough to suit up this season.

There’s also Bea De Leon, Maddie Madayag, Jhoana Maraguinot, Kim Gequillana, Jamie Lavitoria , and Therese Gaston with rookies Pamela Dungo, Jennele Lo,  Paulina Gaston and Deanna Wong to complete the roster.

Giving it their all

“Yung expectation ko naman as a player is that okay lagi yung game. Hundred percent dapat every game,” Valdez said.

(My expectation as a player is that we give our hundred percent every game.)

Aside from the normal preparations they do as a team like flying to Thailand for training camp, Valdez said that Head Coach Tai Bundit continues to call the shots when it comes to their preparation and training program. But as for them, the intensity of training remains the same.

“We really do our best to do what our coaches expect of us.”

Jia Morado will return to the court for Ateneo in Season 78. File photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler

Team chemistry is also a major factor for the Lady Eagles this season as they adjust to the loss of some players, the entry of rookies, and the return of others like Jia Morada and Mae Tajima. The team’s chemistry is something we are yet to see as the season kicks off.

“I can’t say anything about our gelling because I have an insider’s perspective. But it’s a team sport and we’re doing our best,” Valdez said.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles have been tested to be a team who never gives up and is always ready to pull off their greatest fight. This year is no different. And with hopes high and all bets in, all that senior Alyssa Valdez wants is to leave her team and the entire Ateneo community with smiles on their faces.  

“I’m really looking forward to seeing my teammates play and smile again. I’m really looking forward to seeing them happy this last year.” – Rappler.com

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