The streaking Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles extended their winning run to three at the expense of the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-14, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18, Wednesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
After dominating the Lady Warriors in the first set, Ateneo struggled with their floor defense in the second, as Shaya Adorador and Me-ann Mendrez found their groove from the attack line to equalize at one set all.
“No one was talking inside the court and that led to reception errors and defense,” team captain Maddie Madayag shared about that lackluster second frame.
Building on Kat Tolentino’s energy, the Lady Eagles regained their footing in the third set. With Madayag’s ace, they sealed their 2-1 lead.
By the time the fourth set opened, UE were struggling to halt the momentum built by the Lady Eagles. Tolentino remained consistent with her attacks, and Jho Maraguinot supported. Bea De Leon finished the match with a solid block that landed in UE’s defensive hole in the middle.
“We’re expecting to play our best. Our goal is to reach the final four but nakakataas ng confidence and nakakasaya for the team [na nakapito na kami],” Madayag added.
Tolentino scored the most with 22 points, while Maraguinot added 16 markers. Third year setter Deanna Wong tallied 50 excellent sets.
Adorador poured 21 points while Mendrez paced the Lady Warriors with 10 markers. With this loss, Ateneo pushed UE on the brink of elimination.
Ateneo (7-3) will try to extend their streak to four games as they face the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Sunday, March 25. UE (2-8) will take on defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Saturday, March 24.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Tolentino 22, Maraguinot 16, Madayag 13, Samonte 11, De Leon 5, Wong 4, Gaston L, Lo L
UE (1) – Adorador 21, Mendrez 10, Abil 7, Rodriguez 5, Baliton 4, Bendong 1, Catindig 1, Arado 1, Lopez 0, Manabat 0, Olarve 0
