The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles finally took their first win of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, downing the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Lady Altas, 27-25, 25-13, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Lady Eagles, who were still without open hitter Jhoana Maraguinot, fought from a 3-6 deficit in the first set to surge ahead, 16-13. The mis-receiving Lady Altas could not muster a solid run, keeping pace with the Lady Eagles until Ateneo broke the deuce with a Gequillana hit and Lady Altas error. The Lady Altas kept within a steady two-point margin of the Lady Eagles.
Ahead 13-12, Perpetual suffered another late meltdown, allowing Ateneo to win the next thirteen points due to their inept passing.
The third was a worse showing for the Lady Altas, who stumbled, 4-18, and let Ateneo take the match.
“We’ve been working really hard during trainings and siguro today we really communicated better on the court,” said Ateneo team captain Michelle Morente.
Bea De Leon towed the Lady Eagles with 12 points while repurposed open hitter Ana Gopico managed 11 markers.
No Lady Altas scored in double-digits, with Lourdes Clemete managing eight markers and Cindy Imbo pulling in seven. Perpetual fell behind in every statistical category, even giving up 32 errors to Ateneo’s 24.
The Lady Eagles (1-2) have the chance to force a playoff for the final second round spot in Group A if they beat the National University Lady Bulldogs (2-0) on August 20, 6 pm, at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Perpetual Lady Altas (0-3) have not won a match since NCAA Season 91 ended but will try to salvage their season against the Lady Bulldogs on August 17, 4 pm, at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – De Leon 12, Gopico 11, Gaston 5, Gequillana 5, Samonte 5, Morado 3, Morente 3, Lavitoria 1, Abella 0, Wong 0, Tan (L)
UPHSD (0) – Clemente 8, Imbo 7, Bravo 4, Suyat 4, Reterta 2, Tripoli 2, Versoza 2, Rosal 1, Gual 0, Sanggalang 0, Umandal 0, Gayo (L), Medalla (L)
