Finalists for two seasons running, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles stayed in the running for a semis spot in Group A of the Premier Volleyball League Women’s Collegiate Conference with a rousing win over the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags, 25-11, 25-13, 25-13, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
With a 3-1 record, the Lady Eagles tied with FEU. A win against the undefeated National U Lady Bulldogs on September 30 can solidify their spot in the semifinals.
“NU is a tough team and we’re rebuilding so, honestly, there’s no pressure on us. We just wanna do well, hopefully, get the win, and improve,” thought Ateneo team captain Bea De Leon who provided nine points against the Lady Stags.
The Lady Eagles were in control of the entire match, scoring double-digit leads early into each set. Ateneo stopped the Lady Stags’ momentum easily through their serving, amassing 14 aces to SSC’s two.
“It was very good teamwork today. I think we were very care-free on the court. That was a big factor for us,” added De Leon.
Jules Samonte topped Ateneo with 12 points in just two sets of action while Kat Tolentino also had nine markers. Ateneo head coach Tai Bundit was absent from the sidelines due to a fever.
Eliminated from semis contention, the Lady Stags had Nikka Dalisay go for eight markers while Dangie Encarnacion managed seven points.
At 1-3, San Sebastian ends their campaign on September 27 against Lyceum (1-2).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Samonte 12, De Leon 9, Tolentino 9, Maraguinot 8, Wong 6, Madayag 5, Gopico 4, Gaston 3, Gequillana 2, Abello 0, Lo 0, Ravena 0, Eleazar (L)
SSC-R (0) – Dalisay 8, Encarnacion 7, Sta. Rita 6, Santos 2, Guillema 1, Amponin 0, Delos Reyes 0, Orsini 0, Perez 0, Eroa (L)
