The Ateneo De Manila University Lady Eagles nailed their 22nd consecutive UAAP win, sweeping the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons 25-19, 25-21, 25-21 at the FilOil Flying V Centre, earlier today.
The Lady Eagles started the match strong, going to Alyssa Valdez early for points. UP kept pace until the Lady Eagles’ serves began bothering them. Failing to get a good pass off, UP watched as Ateneo pulled away to an 18-12 advantage. Trailing 15-23 UP threatened to come back with a short 3-0 run. But the Lady Eagles easily closed the set out, setting up Valdez for a combination play then getting a UP service error to end the set.
Ateneo again had momentum on their side to start the second frame. The Lady Maroons, however, managed to trim a five-point deficit down to one, 13-14. But UP’s struggle to limit their errors got in the way. Ateneo got to the technical timeout with the lead after a UP service error then a net violation. Ateneo pushed ahead to a five-point a five-point lead, 22-17, after two UP attack errors. Late timeouts and lineup adjustments could not save the Lady Maroons as Ateneo’s supreme offense easily punctuated the set.
After staying close early in the third frame, UP could not keep up when the Lady Eagles’ attack went into overdrive. Varying their attacks, Ateneo built a lofty eight point advantage, 20-12, and never looked back.
“Definitely there are things na kailangan pa namin ma-improve. Every team in the league is getting better and hopefully kami rin we can keep up and get better as well,” said Ateneo team captain Alyssa Valdez.
Valdez and middle blocker, Bea De Leon towed the Lady Eagles with 13 points apiece while Maddie Madayag pitched in 10.
Rookie opposite hitter, Diana Carlos led the Lady Maroons with 16 points while her fellow rookie, Isa Molde had nine.
The Lady Eagles next face the Adamson Lady Falcons (1-2) on Saturday, 4 p.m. at the MoA Arena. UP also has Adamson on Wednesday, 2 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Ateneo (3) – Valdez 13, De Leon 13, Madayag 10, Ahomiro 8, Maraguinot 4, Morado 4, Gequillana 0, Lavitoria (L)
UP (0) – Carlos 16, Molde 9, Tiamzon 7, Buitre 6, Bersola 4, Alinas 2, Gannaban 1, Lai 0, Gaiser (L), Estranero (L)
