The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles used solid serving spells to quell the feisty University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets 25-14, 25-21, 25-21 for their fourth win in five matches in UAAP Season 79 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UE kept Ateneo within striking distance for most of the match. But Ateneo made runs built on impeccable serving to break away and clinch each set. The Lady Warriors forced a 13-all tie in the first set before Lady Eagle middle hitter Maddie Madayag punched in strong serves that sparked a 10-0 run set-clinching run. The second set was closer with the Lady Eagles shaking off the Lady Warriors via Jia Morado serves. From a 21-all deadlock, the Lady Eagles claimed the last four points to take the frame.
UE tried a rally in the third set, cutting off Ateneo’s momentum but still wound up in an 18-21 hole. Attacks from Bea De Leon and Kat Tolentino powered Ateneo to the win.
Michelle Morente led Ateneo with 13 points off 10 attacks and three aces while Bea De Leon added 11. UE toppled the Ateneo attack with 12 blocks but the Lady Eagles countered with a 42-19 attack edge and 11-6 aces advantage.
“Ang UE talaga hindi mo pwedeng maliitin kasi once na maliitin mo sila, talagang pahihirapan ka nila. Thankfully, maganda din ang pinakita namin ngayon,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.
Ateneo (4-1) faces league-leading UP Lady Maroons (4-0) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Skipper Shaya Adorador and Mary Anne Mendrez led the Lady Warriors with 11 points apiece.
UE (0-5) takes on defending champs DLSU Lady Spikers (3-1) also on Sunday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Morente 13, De Leon 11, Madayag 9, Tolentino 8, Morado 6, Gequillana 3, Maraguinot 3, Gopico 2, Gaston 1, Samonte 0, Wong (L), Tan (L)
UE (0) – Adorador 11, Mendrez 11, Alcayde 5, Abil 3, Gabarda 2, Sta. Maria 2, Baliton 1, Bendong 1, Rodriguez 1, Catindig 0, Arado (L)
