Valdez, Ateneo open title defense with impressive win over NU

Alyssa Valdez notched 28 points, 2 blocks and 10 digs as the Ateneo Lady Eagles opened their UAAP 77 title defense with an impressive win over the National University Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 25-21, 25-18, 25-15, on Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Hindi naman po kami nadalian at hindi po namin inexpect na ganoon yung mangyayari. Siguro nagkataon din na maganda ang laro ng lahat [sa team],” said Valdez. “Sabi nga ng mga matatanda, maganda ‘yung gising [ng team]. We hope na ganoon ang game namin all throughout this season.”

Aside from Valdez, Ella De Jesus also chipped in 10 points while rookie Bea De Leon followed up with 7 points and a block.

For NU, Jaja Santiago scored a team-high 16 points while Myla Pablo followed up with 10 points and 2 blocks. In addition, Rizza Mandapat had 6 points.

During the third set, NU look like the more polished team but Ateneo quickly deployed a counterattack which saw a 0-3 deficit turn into a 10-7 lead.

However, the Lady Bulldogs fought back and managed to knot the game at 12-all after an attack from Manabat. But that deadlock was the last sign of life for NU as Ateneo uncorked a 13-3 scoring run en route to the win.

Up next for the Lady Eagles will be the Adamson University Lady Falcons this coming Wednesday while the Lady Bulldogs will square off against La Salle also in the said date. Both games will be played at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

Stats Watch

Facing a highly lethal NU team, Ateneo did all the right things to keep the opposition at bay.

Fueled by the Valdez’s high-octane offense, Ateneo was able to garner a 38-30 advantage in attack points. Also, they had a 5-3 advantage in blocks despite facing a taller NU team.

Furthermore, Ateneo was able to subdue the quick attacks of the Lady Bulldogs which led them to have 29 more digs compared to the opposition’s 20.

The scores:

ATENEO (3) – Valdez 28, De Jesus 10, De Leon 7, Morente 4, Morado 3, Ahomiro 2, Lazaro (L) 0.

NU (0) – Santiago 16, Pablo 10, Mandapat 6, Perez 2, Singh 2, Sioliven 0, Valdez 0, General (L) 0.