The Ateneo Lady Spikers jumpstarted their UAAP campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of last year’s first runners-up, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, on November 26 at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Led by sophomore player Alyssa Valdez, the new-look Lady Spikers haplessly avenged their third place finish last season against the very same team.
The first set saw both teams shaking off volleyball rust as they committed more than their usual share of violations and errors. In the end, the ladies in blue showed better composure. In an offensive scheme featuring two new starters in Valdez and fourth-year player Aillysse Nacachi, the Lady Spikers exacted a 25-16 first set win.
The second set saw the Growling Tigresses come back to form and pick up some offensive steam. Maruja Banaticla and Maika Ortiz—UST’s only offensive options after the departure of volleyball legend Aiza Maizo—scored on a cocktail of offensive moves while Ateneo’s careless errors had both teams going neck to neck, until the score was tied at 23-all. UST’s errors hounded them again as they fumbled and tossed the ball out of bounds, giving Ateneo the second set victory, 25-23.
The third set would start off with another couple of errors for the black and gold. After the Lady Spikers scored their first point, Valdez clasped her knees in a case of cramping; but sophomore Ella de Jesus stepped up and took on the offensive load.
Ateneo and UST would continue going tit for tat until the 15-15 mark. Different scoring options emerged for the blue squad while the España contingent continued making errors, with their last three errors eventually digging their own grave, consequently giving Ateneo their first win of the season.
Valdez was the team’s top gun, exploding for 13 points off nifty plays. Fille Cainglet and Angeline Gervacio followed suit, scoring 12 and 11 points respectively. Banaticla scored 12 while Ortiz notched 10 points in a losing effort.
The Lady Spikers next face UE on November 30, at 2:00 PM at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Set scores: 25-16, 25-23, 25-18
