Valdez expects tough challenge in final UAAP year

Alyssa Valdez was joined by her mom and dad (not seen in the picture) when she received an award. Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Alyssa Valdez is a marked woman for the UAAP volleyball tournament, and the graduating star anticipates Ateneo's opponents will try to spoil her swan song.

"Iba-iba yung dadalhin nila this season. Mahaba ang preparation ng lahat. Maganda ang recruitment ng lahat," the Queen Eagle told a group of media people on Saturday night about her thoughts on the opposition forces for the upcoming tournament slated to begin on Sunday.

The Lady Eagles are actually booked for a clash with the NU Lady Bulldogs in the 4 p.m. offering of the opening day doubleheader at the newly-renamed FilOil Flying V Centre, but Valdez attended an awarding ceremony at the Marriott Grand Ballroom at the eve of the season start, where she received an award for her contributions in bringing back the passion for volleyball among the Filipinos.

"For sure, magiging maganda, interesting, and exciting ang mangyayari this season," she expressed her expectations for the UAAP season while hinting that all the seven other UAAP teams can be a threat to Ateneo's three-peat bid.

Asked on how she will handle her farewell UAAP season, Valdez answered, "One game at a time. One point at a time. We're gonna make it count, kami ni Amy [Ahomiro]. We're gonna enjoy this last year. No matter what happens, we're gonna give our all. We're gonna give our best every game."

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