MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo bucked the absence of its coach Tai Bundit as it smashed National University, 25-19, 25-13, 25-21, Sunday to move one step closer to the title in the Shakey's V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference.
Alyssa Valdez went on attack mode early as she helped dictate the pace for most of the game and finished with a game-high 20 hits, 15 on kills, three on service aces and two on blocks as the Lady Eagles gained a 1-0 edge in their best-of-three showdown.
"We knew we needed to go out strong for us to get the momentum," said Valdez.
Bundit will miss the rest of the finals series because of a previous commitment to attend a coaching seminar back in his homeland in Thailand.
"Coach Parley guided and helped us while coach Tai was out," referring to Ateneo assistant Parley Tupaz.
The Lady Eagles, who needed a deciding Game Three to turn back the stubborn Santo Tomas Tigresses and clinch the last spot in the finals, didn't give the Lady Bulldogs, who swept the Far Eastern U Lady Tams in two matches, a chance to get their rhythm going with constant attacking centered on Valdez.
It was another powerful effort for Valdez, who was later awarded the Conference MVP just moments after their Game One win.
"I'm thankful for the recognition but winning championships, for me, has more weight," said Valdez.
Ateneo shoots for the sweep on Sunday.
A deciding Game Three, if necessary, is on Sept. 4.
It didn't help NU that it missed the services of Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who was with her club team in Vietnam.
Manabat though will be back in Game Two with hopes of helping the Lady Bulldogs get the equalizer.
"NU is stronger as it is and it will be stronger with her (Manabat) back," said Valdez.