Behind a record-setting performance from Maddie Madayag, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles came roaring back from two sets down, to upend the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 19-25, 22-25, 27-25, 25-22, 15-11, to start the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament second round at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tigresses dominated the onset of the match, cruising to a 20-8 lead in the first set. The second frame was closer, with UST clinging to a late 22-21 lead. From there, Sisi Rondina then struck thrice to give UST a 2-0 sets lead.
Ateneo regained form in the third set, working their block for a 12-8 lead. Gaining momentum from Ateneo’s miscues, UST slowly crept back and tied the set at 19. After an exchange of leads that led to a deuce, Bea De Leon then scored two clutch points from an attack and ace to extend the match.
Another back-and-forth start positioned UST up early in the fourth set, 13-9. Ponggay Gaston spearheaded a run that brought Ateneo to within one, 17-16. The Tigresses’ offense then stalled, allowing Ateneo to gain a 24-20 lead. Ateneo nearly faced another deuce, until Kat Tolentino nailed the set-clinching spike that forced a decider.
The Lady Eagles took control of the fifth set thanks to solid play from Maddie Madayag, who pushed them to a 14-10 gap.
Madayag finished with 23 points from 11 attacks, an ace, and a league-record 11 blocks. Kat Tolentino finished with 20 points.
“UST came prepared today. My players fought well and showed their resiliency. I admire the players for the trust that they put in me,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
“UST played really well. I just so happened that the breaks of the game, in the end, fell to us,” the decorated tactician added.
Sisi Rondina matched the UAAP record for points in a game with 35. Eya Laure provided 21 markers.
Ateneo remain on top of the standings with a 7-1 record, while UST fall to a 5-3 card.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Madayag 23, Tolentino 20, De Leon 11, Gaston 10, Samonte 9, Raagas 3, Wong 3, Gandler 2, Maraguinot 0, Gequillana (L), Ravena (L)
UST (2) – Rondina 35, Laure 21, Pacres 9, Galdones 8, Galanza 2, Jimenez 2, Viray 2, Bicar 0, Roldan 0, Delerio (L)
