Ateneo trips NU, draws first blood
KIM Gequillana found out that she could be more than just second fiddle to volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez.
The high-flying outside hitter stepped out of the shadows of her more popular teammate yesterday, leading Ateneo in the crucial stages for a 25-19, 25-13, 25-21 victory over National University in the finals opener of the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference crown at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Silently stationed at the net, Gequillana hammered at the Lady Bulldogs thrice late in the deciding set as the Lady Eagles sprang back from a four-point deficit to take Game 1 of their best-of-three titular series.
Valdez, who emerged Most Valuable Player of the conference, dished out another fantastic performance with 20 points, two blocks and three service aces.
“We really played as a team. Many of us got sick the past week, but we were able to maintain good condition,” said Valdez after receiving her second MVP award in the league.
Gequillana finished with 10 spikes while setter Gizelle Tan had 24 excellent sets which the Eagles converted into hits in the match given a miss by head coach Tai Bundit, who attended a coaching seminar in Thailand.
“What Kim did was crucial,” said Valkdez. “It will definitely boost her confidence.”
Valdez also took home the 1st Best Outside Spiker award while Tan was named best setter. UST’s EJ Laure got the 2nd Best Outside Spiker plum while NU’s Jaja Santiago won 1st Best Middle Blocker, Ateneo’s Isabelle De Leon was named 2nd Best Middle Blocker and Fatima General took the best libero award.
The Lady Eagles will go for the title next Sunday, at the same venue.
Gequillana’s brisk kill near the net post evened matters at 20 before she scored another hit to put the Lady Eagles ahead.
Jhoanna Maraguinot scored on a spike at match point after Gequillana’s service ace as the Lady Eagles completed the victory.
“What’s happening? You need to be confident, especially in reception,” NU coach Roger Gorayeb berated the Lady Bulldogs.