FILE–Former Ateneo volleyball player Alyssa Valdez during the UAAP Season 80 opening ceremonies. –Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —The Ateneo Blue Eagles may have suffered a roster hit with season-ending injuries, but their former star Alyssa Valdez has complete faith in the team’s resilience.
The Blue Eagles have lost their first two games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament and their woes were compounded by the loss of two key players Zel Tsunashima and JLo Delos Santos.
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Valdez, though, remains impressed by the team.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo’s Tsunashima, Delos Santos suffer season-ending injuries
“The Ateneo girls, all heart. I’d say nakakatuwa silang panoorin. They play as a team,” the Creamline captain told Inquirer Sports. “They give their all every single game. Wala silang pinipiling kalaban. And I think that’s a good showing for Team Ateneo.”
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Medical team attends to Ateneo’s Zel Tsunashima, who hurt her left leg in the fifth set of the Blue Eagles’ loss to the Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Delos Santos suffered an ACL tear in their practice before the opener, while Tsunashima sustained a broken left tibia and fibula after a scary fall in their five-set loss to Adamson.
“I’m praying for a speedy recovery for both players. I’ve heard that JLo will have her surgery soon and Zel is doing her therapy,” Valdez said.
READ: UAAP: Ateneo coach offers no excuse after loss to Adamson
Ateneo dropped to a 0-2 record after falling to defending champion National University, 23-25, 19-25, 15-25 loss on Wednesday at FilOIl EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The three-time UAAP MVP, who led Ateneo to historic back-to-back titles in Seasons 76 and 77, vows to stay on her alma mater’s side this season.
“And we’re just gonna be here, both men’s and women’s, supporting you and watching you,” Valdez said. “Kahit anong mangyari, if you give your best, God will do the rest.”
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Valdez and the Cool Smashers will enter the qualifying round of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference next week, while the Blue Eagles eye their first win against the unbeaten University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.