UAAP: Kiwi Ahomiro was the catalyst says Finals MVP Valdez

While thousands praised Season 76 and Finals MVP Alyssa Valdez for carrying the Lady Eagles to a three-set win against the DLSU Lady Spikers for the women's volleyball crown on Saturday, Ateneo's team captain credited her teammates, citing in particular, Kiwi Amy Ahomiro.

"Sobrang potential player talaga si Kiwi [Ahomiro] from the start, eh na ACL [injury] siya," said Valdez of her teammate. "Kasi nung first year, magkakabatch kami niyan. As in siya yung nakita ni Coach Roger [Gorayeb] na maging first six.

Ahomiro was supposed to play as former team captain Dzi Gervacio's alternate.

"[Dapat] palitan sila ni Dzi. Pero siyempre yung experience ni Dzi [gave her more playing time]. Si Kiwi talaga, nag-try siya. Pinu-push niya yung sarili niya to improve herself and yung skills niya."

Ahomiro had to make adjustments as injuries plagued the Lady Eagles. She rose to the occasion in the final game, scoring only six points but coming up with four monster blocks to neutralize La Salle's height and power. The Brent alumna also accounted for clutch aces Ateneo used to power their way into the Finals.

"Utility siya pero napunta siya sa gitna so grabe yung adjustment na ginawa niya for the team," added Valdez. "Si Kiwi isa siyang team player talaga."

The installation of Ahomiro as a vital cog of both the Ateneo offense and defense was enough to secure her spot as part of the team's first six this season.

"Hindi lang siya mature player outside, inside din," shared Valdez. "She's smart sa paglalaro- sa drop balls, spiking. Before pa siya pumasok sa first six may potential na siya tapos si Coach Tai [Bundit], binigyan siya ng chance at confidence to do what she does."

Like Valdez, Ahomiro has just finished her third playing year, with two more in store. - AMD, GMA News