The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles encountered a gamely Adamson University Lady Falcons but still managed to secure a quick victory, 25-19, 25-18, 25-13, for their second straight win in the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Falcons put up valiant early rallies in the opening salvos of the first two sets. Tied at 11, the Lady Eagles broke away in the first set when they began limiting their errors and produced points off transitions. Leading 19-13, the Lady Eagles broke away easily.
The second frame began much the same way, with the Lady Eagles surging ahead midway, 20-14. With most of their bench replacing the starters, Ateneo took off in the final set against a deflated Adamson side.
“Naging maganda naman ang takbo nang mga training namin. Talagang lumaban ‘yung Adamson na inexpect talaga namin kasi naghanda din talaga ‘yan,” said assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, who sat in for Tai Bundit, who was still attending to personal matters in Thailand.
Michelle Morente powered the Lady Eagles with 12 points and five digs, while Bea De Leon and Jhoana Maraguinot each tallied seven markers in limited time.
Ateneo (3-1) face another winless team, the University of the East (0-4), on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Skipper Jema Galanza topped the Lady Falcons with eight markers, while middle hitter Awit Joaquin added seven.
The Lady Falcons (0-4) face defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers (2-1) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Morente 12, De Leon 7, Maraguinot 7, Morado 6, Gopico 5, Tolentino 5, Gequillana 3, Gaston 2, Madayag 2, Lavitoria 0, Lo 0, Tan (L), Wong (L)
AdU (0) – Galanza 8, Joaquin 7, Flora 6, Dacoron 4, Caole 2, Momo 1, Uy 1, Wanta 1, Tempiatura (L)