ATENEO de Manila breezed past Far Eastern University (FEU) in straight sets, 25-22, 25-19, 25-15, to take the solo lead in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In the second game, National University (NU) shocked De La Salle, 25-16, 26-24, 14-25, 25-23, for its first win in the tournament while denying the Lady Archers the share of the lead.
Back-to-back UAAP Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez once again led the Lady Eagles’ onslaught with 15 points, highlighted by 13 kills, to lead Ateneo to its third straight win in as many games.
Maddie Madayag added 11 hits from seven spikes and four service aces, while Jhoana Maranguinot added 10. Setter Jia Morado had another stellar performance for the Lady Eagles with 38 excellent sets.
The graduating Valdez was satisfied with their performance, but she admitted they still need to work on their game.
“Coach has always been telling us that this is volleyball and we can’t avoid that our opponents will always keep on fighting their way back,” Valdez said. “We need to focus on consistency and maturity as we see our weaknesses as a team every set.”
The Lady Eagles started with a fiery 6-0 start in the first set and continued to frustrate the Lady Tamaraws to take a 24-16 lead before FEU fought back and threatened at 22-24.
Bea de Leon, however, stopped the woes with a block to draw the first blood.
Ateneo continued to sizzle in the second set then carried enough momentum in the third, building a 21-11 spread and never looked back to claim their 21 straight wins, including last season’s run.
“We’re really just happy and excited to train again, to improve our weaknesses as a team and to see what we have to maintain as a team,” Valdez added.
FEU dropped to1-2 slate. Toni Basas and Jerrilli Malabanan had 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Lady Tams.
In men’s action, Adamson University scored a huge 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 26-24, 15-13 upset over the defending champions Ateneo in five thrilling sets.
With Ateneo just a set away from taking the win, the Falcons fought their way back in a head-to-head fourth set with a slight 22-19 separation. But the Blue Eagles had a three-to-nothing rally to equalize the match. Adamson, however, forced the decider when Mike Sudaria and Bryan Saraza made their respective attacks.
The Falcons opened the fifth set with a 13-9 cushion then reached the match point, 14-11. But the Blue Eagles cut the lead within one through Marck Espejo’s spike then Sudaria committed a crucial crossing violation. Saraza completed the upset with a cross court kill over a single blocker.
Dave Pletado led the way with 17 hits on 12 attacks and five blocks. Sudarya and Saraza chipped in 12 each, while setter Nico Ramirez had 28 excellent sets including 10 points.
Ateneo received its first setback after three outings despite UAAP MVP Marck Espejo’s 27 huge points on 25 attacks and two service aces and setter Esmilzo Polvorosa’s sensational pacing tallying a season-high of 50 excellent sets.
FEU pulled off a 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 win over University of the East (UE).
Image credits: ALYSA SALEN