Tears streamed down the Phenom’s face as she took her final lap around the historic Araneta Coliseum floor, waving goodbye to her legions of Ateneo fans and even to the La Salle supporters.
Now in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, Valdez finds herself in the same situation: heading into a win-or-go-home Game Three with her Atenean teammates leaning heavily on her. The Pocai Sweat Lady Warriors outplayed them in demoralizing fashion and Valdez now needs to lift her Bali Pure Water Defenders to the Finals or else bitterly wave goodbye to her fans again.
“Do-or-die on Monday. For sure, our coaches will prepare us for the game. We’re gonna adjust and just think positive,” the Batangas native thought.
“Siguro lagi na lang ine-extend ni God ‘yung mga laro, ‘yung buhay ko,” the three-time UAAP MVP said with a laugh. “I’m just really lucky to have another chance to give my best and be part of the fun and exciting team na for the love of volleyball talaga naglalaro.”
“I’m just really happy to play in the SVL and to be teammates with my fellow Ateneans.”
Valdez has flourished in do-or-die matches in her career. In the UAAP, the three-time MVP delivered Ateneo its first championship. In the SVL, the open hitter brought the PLDT Ultra Fast Hitters to the Season 12 All-Filipino championship.
“Nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon so I’m going to give my best and make the most of my opportunity. We’ll see kung ano mangyayari,” she closed.
Game Three will be on Monday, 6:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena.
