Ateneo-Motolite survives feisty Adamson-Akari for fourth win

Recreating their close encounters in the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the Ateneo-Motolite Lady Eagles overcame a revitalized Adamson-Akari Lady Falcons, 17-25, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 15-12, in the PVL Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

After forcing a fifth set, the Lady Falcons started the decider flat. The Lady Eagles quickly built an 8-4 lead off Adamson’s miscues. A short spell of bad receptions opened the door for the Lady Falcons to trim the deficit down to one, 9-8. But strong net defense allowed Ateneo to close the match, pulling a block from a Deanna Wong to extend their lead to four, 12-8.

Bernadette Flora then tried to bring Adamson back, burying an attack between two blockers to come within one, 12-11. Late scores fron Kat Tolentino allowed the Lady Eagles to stem the tide and clinch the win.

The Filipino-Canadian opposite spiker Tolentino erupted for 28 points off 20 attacks, five blocks and three aces. Jules Samonte added 11 markers.

“I told my players to expect Adamson to play really well today since we play in the UAAP as well,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “Wala silang wins, but we know the intensity that Adamson plays with. I’m just very happy that my players found a way to get this win.”

Ateneo beat Adamson twice, both in five sets in UAAP Season 80.

Bernadette Flora topped the Lady Falcons with 25 points points to go with 24 excellent digs and eight receptions. Libero Thang Ponce managed 46 digs and 21 excellent receptions.

Ateneo elevated their record to 4-1. They next take on the Tacloban Fighting Warays (2-3) on Wednesday at the same venue. Adamson (0-6) will face fellow winless squad Iriga-Navy Oragons (0-6) on Saturday at the same venue.

The Scores

Ateneo-Motolite (3) – Tolentino 28, Samonte 11, Gaston 9, Madayag 9, Gequillana 6, Gandler 4, Wong 3, Fanger 1, Maraguinot 1, Peralta (L)

Adamson-Akari (2) – Flora 25, Permentilla 15, Ave 12, Pinar 9, Macaslang 8, Igao 4, Uy 0, Ponce (L)