The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles continued their splendid role, disposing the Adamson University Lady Falcons in straight sets 25-19, 25-23, 25-16 in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, earlier today.
Adamson managed to keep pace with Ateneo early in the first. Leading by two throughout, Ateneo eventually inflated a 16-14 lead to 22-16 through great attack distribution from setter Jia Morado. Amy Ahomiro, Maddie Madayag, and Alyssa Valdez delivered the set-finishing points for the defending champs in that order.
A frantuc second set greeted both teams with neither able to build a sizable advantage. Adamson was up 9-7 early but Ateneo quickly rallied and snatched the lead 11-9. Ateneo maintained their lead until Mylene Paat and May Roque each found seems in their defense to tie the match at 23. The Lady Falcons, however, squandered their chance to take a set, coughing up consecutive errors that the Lady Eagles the frame.
The Lady Falcons’ habit of losing steam in the last sets persisted into match as Ateneo stormed to a 16-5 lead in the third set and never looked back.
Reigning MVP Valdez tallied a game-high 23 points on 19 for 29 attacking. Graduating opposite hitter Amy Ahomiro pitched in nine points while Madayag had eight.
“We’re still improving. May mga bagay pa nakikita si coach Tai na kailangan pa namin ma-improve,” said Valdez. “Marami pang games. We need to keep movkng forward.”
Jema Galanza and May Roque led the Lady Falcons with 11 and 10 points apiece. Team caprain Mylene Paat switched to the middle hitter position and had five points.
Ateneo will take on the UE Lady Warriors on Wednesday, at the FilOil Flying V Centre first while the Lady Falcons will take on the FEU Lady Tamaraws (2-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Ateneo (3) – Valdez 23, Ahomiro 9, Madayag 8, Maraguinot 6, De Leon 5, Morado 3, P. Gaston 1, Gequillana 0, Lavitoria (L)
AdU (0) – Galanza 11, Roque 10, Paat 5, Momo 4, Emnas 3, Alkuino 1, Mohammad 0, Matias 0, Flora 0, Dacoron 0, Lebumfacil (L), Tempiatura (L)
