Two-time defending champions Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles made short work of the Adamson University Lady Falcons to advance to their 10th win, 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM MoA Arena.
Although it did not show in their ace totals, Ateneo gave Adamson hell with their serving. The Lady Falcons, unable to get good passes, stumbled to big, early deficits with which they could not climb out.
The match only became interesting in the third set when Adamson took a 16-15 lead going into the second technical timeout. But Ateneo came out with a fury, allowing just two points to end the match.
Two-time MVP Alyssa Valdez led Ateneo’s balanced attack with 16 points. Amy Ahomiro added 15, while Jho Maraguinot piled up 12.
Ateneo have already clinched a Top Two spot, but Valdez emphasized that the team still needs to keep improving.
“We still need to work on a lot of things. Every game is a blessing to us and we want to treat it the same way. Siguro we’ll take it as a chance to build up towards the Final Four,” she said.
AdU team captain Mylene Paat scored nine points, while graduating middle hitter Erika Alkuino compiled eight.
The Lady Eagles (10-2) take on the winless University of the East Lady Warriors on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Adamson (3-9) also see action on Wednesday against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (7-5).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Valdez 16, Ahomiro 15, Maraguinot 12, De Leon 2, Morado 2, Gequillana 2, Gaston T. 0, Tan (L)
AdU (0) – Paat 9, Alkuino 8, Flora 4, Galanza 3, Momo 3, Dacoron 2, Emnas 2, Mohammad 0, Lebumfacil (L)