The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles made short work of struggling University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-18, 25-12, 25-10, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to set up a battle for the first seed.
The Lady Eagles will take on arch-rivals De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in a heated match for the top seed in the Final Four.
Ateneo, who rested ace hitter Jhoana Maraguinot, pulled 12 points from towering open hitter Kat Tolentino. Jia Morado tossed 26 excellent sets and scored nine points, including five service aces.
The Lady Eagles dominated the entire match, pounding UE with nine aces and five block kills.
“Okay lang naman [playing without Maraguinot] kasi in training, we don’t just stay with a solid core. Coach Tai makes it a point to use everyone in training para kahit sino ipasok sa game, prepared kami,” said Morado.
Mary Anne Mendrez led the Lady Warriors with six points, while Shaya Adoradro had five.
The Lady Warriors end their Season 79 campaign on Wednesday when they take on the Adamson University Lady Falcons, the only team they have beaten in the past two years, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Tolentino 12, Morado 9, Morente 8, De Leon 4, Gequillana 3, Gopico 3, Madayag 3, Samonte 3, Gaston 2, Lavitoria 1, Tan (L)
UE (0) – Mendrez 6, Adorador 5, Baliton 3, Dacaymat 3, Abil 1, Alcayde 1, Bendong 1, Catindig 1, Rodriguez 1, Arado (L)
