Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — An emotional Alyssa Valdez was instrumental in hauling Ateneo from the brink of elimination to force a do-or-die encounter with bitter rival La Salle this Saturday (April 30) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But despite having the momentum headed into the decisive match, Valdez is wary of the overall experience that the Lady Spikers have.
“La Salle will be La Salle,” she said after the Game 2 win. “La Salle is definitely one of the veteran (teams), kahit sabihin mo na bata yung mga naglalaro, veterans pa rin sila.”
After being down two sets to none, the Ateneo Lady Eagles claimed the last three sets to fashion out an escape act.
It was a memorable victory, but Valdez would rather not dwell on it for the moment and would like to focus on the next game instead.
“Pagbalik ng Saturday, kailangan muna natin makalimutan yung win today,” said Valdez. “We have to remember all the things we did right. Analyze all the things na ginawa namin mali, and try to fix it during training.”
“We really have to prepare mentally.”
The Lady Spikers will be hungry to reclaim their throne and prevent their rivals from claiming a third straight title, but it is that kind of hungry and determined opponent that Valdez expects to see on the court on Saturday afternoon.
“La Salle will fight,” said Valdez. “We really have to think that they are going to fight, and we have to fight back.”
