After an uncharacteristic two-game losing streak, the Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles got back into their rhythm with a convincing straight sets win over the National University Lady Bulldogs 26-24, 25-17, 25-19 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Both squads’ passing problems showed in the opening set, but both found ways to generate offense even with rough first touches. Ateneo used Alyssa Valdez to the hilt to keep a steady one-point barrier all the way to 21-20. In the next three plays, the Lady Bulldogs overcompensated for Valdez’s threat at the net and let Ateneo’s other attackers fire home unimpeded hits. Bea De Leon got Ateneo to set point, 24-21, but NU still had a last gasp. Jorelle Singh first drilled a corner hit, followed by an Ateneo attack error. NU setter Ivy Perez extended the set to a deuce, 24-all, after a huge block on Jhoana Maraguinot. But NU squandered their comeback with two straight errors, giving Ateneo the first set.
Ateneo then opened the floodgates on NU in the following set. As the Lady Bulldogs surrendered countless miscues, Ateneo zoomed to a 19-10 advantage and never looked back.
NU seemed to have control in the third frame, even managing a 13-11 lead after back-to-back Jaja Santiago kills, but Ateneo were too motivated to go away lightly. Ateneo purposely ran their offense through their middles, as Maddie Madayag led a run that saw Ateneo’s lead balloon to six, 21-15. NU tried a late comeback again but their lackadaisical play dragged them to the loss.
“I guess we were just tired over the past few games. Everyone was physically, mentally, and emotionally tired. Hopefully, we can keep focused on the next few matches. We just need to play with a smile and strong hearts,” said Alyssa Valdez referring to their rough past two weeks thats had the lose two straight matches.
Both squads will have their next match on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Ateneo (7-2) will face the Far Eastern University Lady Tams (5-4) on 4 p.m., while NU (4-5) will take on the University of the East Lady Warriors (0-9).
The Scores:
Ateneo (3) – Valdez 20, Maraguinot 12, Gequillana 9, Madayag 8, De Leon 4, Morado 1, Ahomiro 1, Tan L, Lavitoria L.
NU (0) – Santiago 12, Singh 9, Urdas 5, Pablo 5, Nabor 5, Doria 2, Perez 1, Valdez L, General L.
