The young Ateneo-Motolite Lady Eagles took down another veteran squad, overwhelming the Petro Gazz Angels for their second straight win in the PVL Open Conference, 25-21, 17-25, 19-25, 25-14, 15-7, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Trading dominant set wins with their foes, Ateneo claimed the momentum in the fourth set. The Lady Eagles drubbed Petro Gazz 23-12 in the fourth set then worked off terrific hitting from Kat Tolentino to establish a 12-6 gap in the decider. A quick attack by Maddie Madayag and a Bea de Leon ace sealed the victory.
“I have to give credit to all my players. They worked really hard,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “Our opponents were stronger and more experienced. My players trusted our system and trusted each other and that was the key to staying strong and finishing the match.”
The 6-foot-2 Fil-Canadian winger Tolentino finished with 24 points off 20 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Madayag added 16 markers.
The Angels had captain Paneng Mercado go for 11 markers, while Cherry Nunag provided 10.
Ateneo will play again tomorrow against the BanKo Perlas Spikers (2-0) at the same venue. Petro Gazz (3-3) end the first round next Saturday against the Adamson-Akari Lady Falcons (0-2).
The Scores
Ateneo-Motolite (3) – Tolentino 24, Madayag 16, Gandler 15, De Leon 6, Wong 6, Gequillana 3, Fanger 1, Maraguinot 1, Raagas 1, Ravena (L)
Petro Gazz (2) – Sabete 13, Mercado 11, Nunag 10, Baloaloa 8, Austero 7, Saet 5, Layug 4, Mendrez 3, Musa 2, Cheng 0, De Leon 0, Cruz (L)
