Coming off a shaky performance last Sunday, the Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles proved too much for the injury-riddled Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws. The defending champions scored a quick straight-set win 25-22, 25-19, 25-15 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the MoA Arena earlier today.
Building off terrific serving, the Lady Eagles took the first eight points of the match. Ateneo’s lead grew to as much as ten, 11-1, and they even had match point at a comfortable margin, 24-16. But the Lady Tams made the set interesting, scoring six straight points before the Lady Eagles could seal the set off a Bea De Leon block kill.
Despite shaky first touches, Ateneo still seemed like they were en route to another big lead in the second set. Trailing 0-5, FEU slowly crawled back into the set, trimming the lead down to one, 11-12, through efficient target serving. Led by middle blockers, Bea De Leon and Maddie Madayag, Ateneo put the set out of reach through a 9-1 blitz. Leading 21-12, Ateneo received three FEU errors down the stretch to cruise to a 2-0 lead.
Ateneo easily out-muscled FEU in the third set. The Lady Tams wound up surrendering 12 errors in the final set alone, allowing Ateneo to take the match handily.
Reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez led a balanced Ateneo attack with 15 points, while middle blocker Maddie Madayag and Jhoana Maraguinot pitched in 11 and 10 points respectively.
After the match, Valdez emphasized the importance of steadying their reception, which is still a work-in-progress.
“Defense wins games. I’m very happy that Jamie (Lavitoria) got to play today because ever sincr she’s worked really hard. Kailangan talaga namin sila ni Gizelle (Tan) kasi depensa talaga ‘yung bumbuhay sa team,” said Valdez.
FEU sophomore, Toni Rose Basas had 12 points, while Jerrili Malabanan contributed 10.
Ateneo won their third consecutive match of the season, their 21st straight dating back to the Season 76 Finals. FEU slumped to 1-2.
The Lady Eagles have the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons next on Sunday, 4 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre. FEU will face the winless University of Santo Tomas Tigresses on Saturday, 4 p.m. also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Valdez 15, Madayag 11, Maraguinot 10, De Leon 9, Ahomiro 7, Morado 2, Gequillana 0, Tan (L), Lavitoria (L)
FEU (0) – Basas 12, Malabanan 10, Palma 6, Villareal 3, Negrito 2, Cayuna 1, Guino-O 1, Sy 1, Hernandez 0, Pons 0, Dionela 0, Atienza (L), Duremdes (L)
