THE ATENEO Lady Eagles started their new year on the right track as they defeated the Adamson Lady Falcons, 3-2, on Sunday, January 6, in The Arena in San Juan.

Action in the first set was back and forth as no team was willing to let the other breakaway with an easy win. Adamson showed that they were not intimidated by the number one team in the league as Mayette Zapanta showed sparks of brilliance that rattled the Ateneo defense. Both teams exchanged goals until Adamson emerged with a 24-22 edge. The set ended with Ateneo committing three straight service errors that gave Adamson the momentum to take the first set at 25-22.

With the disappointing first set loss, the Lady Eagles bounced back quickly in the second set. Alyssa Valdez was her usual scoring self once more, but Adamson’s defense held out and Pau Soriano finished off long rallies for the Lady Falcons. The saving grace for Ateneo, however, were veterans Jem Ferrer and Fille Cainglet who pushed Ateneo to a close 25-23 win in the second set.

Balanced scoring from the ladies in blue allowed them to dominate the third set while the Lady Falcons suddenly looked lethargic and fatigued. Aggressive attacks from Gretchen Ho and Valdez gave Ateneo the 25-18 win in the third set.

With just a set away from taking the match, the combination of Valdez, Cainglet and Ho were able to take the 22-21 lead in what was once again a back and forth scoring affair. However, Adamson stayed consistent in their digs and played hustle defense as they took the fourth set, 25-23, and forced a fifth and final set.

Both teams went all out in the last set and were on even ground early on. Ateneo’s Mae Tajima was a spark off the bench, but Adamson had Zapanta to even it out. At one point, Adamson led, 7-5, care of Shiela Pineda’s aggressiveness in challenging Ateneo’s blockers. But Valdez, who was battling cramps, exploded for four straight points–three from her serves–and proved why she is the league’s top scorer.

Valdez lifted Ateneo on her shoulders and gave the Lady Eagles a 9-7 advantage and the momentum to a 15-11 victory.

The Lady Eagles remain undefeated and atop the standings, 6-0. Their next game is against arch rival De La Salle University o12, Saturday, at 3:30 PM in The Arena in San Juan.