MANILA, Philippines – For the fifth and final time in her UAAP career, Ateneo de Manila University star Alyssa Valdez will compete in the women's volleyball Finals, with a third straight championship in mind.

Last Saturday, Valdez spearheaded Ateneo's three-set sweep of University of the Philippines (UP), scoring the Lady Eagles' last five attack points to finish with 16 markers in the 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 win. In the process, they avenged their loss to UP in the second round, and advanced to the UAAP Season 78 finals.

"I'm so thankful na for the fifth time, I'm entering the Finals, with different teammates. I've had different coaches, and I'm just really lucky to be there again, and for the last time," said Valdez.

(READ: Clutch Valdez carries Ateneo to 5th straight finals)

Valdez, a two-time MVP, has made the Finals in every year of her college career, losing in her first two tries to De La Salle University before leading the Lady Eagles to back-to-back titles in Seasons 76 and 77.

She now has, at most, three more games left in what has been a glittering collegiate career. Yet Valdez said that there is no time for her to think of the upcoming "lasts," as she and the Lady Eagles still have work to do.

"Magte-training muna kami," Valdez said on following Ateneo's win over UP. "Saka na natin isipin. Hindi pa nagsi-sink in."

"Minsan, inspiration din namin 'yun, and motivation to really push ourselves in training. Last two weeks na, last stretch na lang. Kahit pagod na, iisipin mo na lang na last stretch na lang din," she added.

"But I'm not naman thinking of leaving the UAAP and saying goodbye to all the people in the UAAP. Next time, next time na."

She and the Lady Eagles are still waiting for their Finals opponent after Far Eastern University stunned La Salle in five sets to force a deciding game.

Valdez made it clear she has no preference on who their opponent will be, despite having played La Salle in the Finals for the past four years.

"Kung sinong ibibgay, 'di ba. Kung sinong ibibigay. Kung sinong gusto ni Lord," she added.

Game 1 of the best-of-three UAAP women's volleyball Finals will be on Saturday, April 23, at the Araneta Coliseum.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)