Lady Eagles slap UP six, enter final

For the fifth time since the arrival of phenom Alyssa Valdez, the Ateneo Lady Eagles have soared to the UAAP women’s volleyball finals.

With Valdez providing leadership and the support crew doing its job, the top-ranked Lady Eagles steamrolled youthful No. 4 University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21, to book a return trip to the Season 78 championship yesterday at the MOA Arena.

The Lady Eagles will gun for a three-peat against either No. 2 La Salle or Far Eastern U, which are slated to play their Final Four showdown today.

Valdez made some timely hits, especially in the third set where the Lady Maroons mounted a rally, and finished with 16 to backstop Jho Maraguinot’s 17.

“I’m so thankful that for the fifth time I’m entering the finals, with different teams, different coaches; yeah, I’m just lucky to be there again for the last time,” said Valdez, who seeks to end her illustrious collegiate career with a bang.

Unlike in their previous meeting in the second round, which was won by UP, Ateneo had their F4 duel under control. The Lady Eagles raced to a 16-10 lead in the first and essentially did the same in the second. The rookieladen Lady Maroons put up a fierce challenge in the third until Valdez and Maraguinot took over.

“I think we just came here to play and we really wanted to go back to the finals,” said Valdez, who also credited the blocking of Bea de Leon and Amy Ahomiro and the playmaking of Jia Morado for the win.

The Lady Eagles got 10 blocks points against UP and limited super rookie Isa Molde to just four points. Nicole Tiamzon led the way with 13 for UP, which reached the F4 for the first time since 2003.

The Ateneo belles’ performance mirrored the mighty effort of their male counterparts earlier.

The Blue Eagles made shortwork of No. 4 University of the Philippines, 25-12, 25-13, 25-16, to reach the men’s finals for the third straight time.

MVP Marck Espejo scored 12 and Ysay Marasigan added 11 as the Eagles finished off the Maroons in 1 hour, 10 minutes and kept their bid for back-to-back titles kicking.

“Easy win but not easy preparation,” said AdMU coach Oliver Almadro. “I told the players not to take UP lightly because they wouldn’t be in the Final Four if they’re not good. If UP was determined, we have to be more determined than them.”

No one finished in double figures for UP with Alfred Valbuena and Wendel Miguel posting 8 and 7, respectively.