Now able to play their entire roster, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles wasted no time in crushing league cellar-dwellers Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-13, 25-11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ateneo, who were without head coach Tai Bundit due to military duties, got a full team effort in dumping the San Marcelino-based spikers, who played without ailing Jema Galanza.
With everybody playing, Kim Gequillana, Ateneo’s plucky serve specialist, shone brightest for the Lady Eagles, scoring 11 points including four aces. Gequillana’s heavy serving pushed Ateneo to a monumental 16-0 lead, a stretch that encapsulated Ateneo’s dominance.
“Importante na makalaro ‘yung mga reserves kasi may chance na makalaro sila mga malalaking game. Pareho lang naman sila ng ensayo sa mga first six namin kaya maganda talaga na mabigyan sila ng playing time,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, who sat in for Bundit.
Michelle Morente had seven points, while rookie Jules Samonte added six.
Ateneo regain hold of the top seed momentarily with a 10-2 record, half a game ahead of the 9-2 De La Salle University Lady Spikers. The Lady Eagles get a one-week break before facing the struggling University of the East Lady Warriors (1-10) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Falcons had just 37 total points, their lowest output of the season. Middle blocker Joy Dacoron led Adamson with eight markers.
The Lady Falcons remain winless in 12 outings. They play La Salle on Saturday, also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Gequillana 11, Morente 7, Samonte 6, Madayag 5, Maraguinot 5, Morado 4, Tolentino 4, Gaston 3, De Leon 3, Gopico 2, Lavitoria 0, Lo 0, Tan (L), Wong (L)
AdU (0) – Dacoron 8, Dahab 3, Joaquin 3, Flora 2, Mohammad 1, Caole 0, Matias 0, Momo 0, Uy 0, Wanta 0, Ponce (L)
