After a sluggish start to the match, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles recovered just in time to shake off the University of the East Lady Warriors, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
This is the Lady Eagles’ 14th straight win over the Lady Warriors, last falling prey to them back in 2010.
Par for their season so far, Ateneo struggled mightily to pass and defend in the opening set, allowing the Lady Warriors to zoom ahead, 22-19. Flat-footed defense then cost the Lady Eagles the set’s last two points.
“We played too serious siguro,” said team captain Maddie Madayag of their early struggles.
“We got out of our usual happy-happy style of play. Ever since coach Tai (Bundit) came to Ateneo, we’ve always played so much better when we’re happy,” she added.
Ateneo regained their form in the following three sets, dislodging the hapless Lady Warriors. Ateneo zoomed to a 20-16 lead in the second set, then followed with a 18-12 scorching in third frame. By the fourth set, Ateneo had all the momentum and grabbed a 17-8 cushion to seal the match.
Open hitter Jhoana Maraguinot led the Lady Eagles again in scoring, with 20 points coming off 17 attacks, two aces, and a block. Madayag added 12 markers.
The Lady Eagles only gave the Lady Warriors six aces, the lowest an opponent has tallied this season against the Katipunan-based spiker.
Shaya Adorador led the Lady Warriors with 14 points while Mary Ann Mendrez managed 12.
Both the Lady Eagles and Lady Warriors take their next assignments on Wednesday. Ateneo (2-2) face the Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-1) while UE (0-4) will try to topple defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers (3-0).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Maraguinot 20, Madayag 12, De Leon 10, Tolentino 10, Gaston 9, Samonte 6, Wong 4, Lo (L), Ravena (L)
UE (1) – Adorador 14, Mendrez 12, Abil 6, Rodriguez 5, Lopez 4, Bendong 3, Catindig 1, Bendong 0, Manabat 0, Arado (L)
