3-time MVP Valdez takes over as Ateneo forces decider

MANILA, Philippines – On the day she received her third straight most valuable player award, Alyssa Valdez proved why she deserves another accolade.

The San Juan, Batangas native carried the scoring load on her shoulders to bring the Lady Eagles back in their search for a rare three-peat after surviving De La Salle University in a thrilling five-set match, 18-25, 26-28, 25-17, 25-16, 15-11 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.

Valdez finished with 34 points was unstoppable in the final set to complete the Lady Eagles' comeback after being down 0-2 in sets.

The Lady Spikers, on the other hand, are looking for their ninth crown since joining the league in 1986.

Game 3 is set on Saturday.