THE ATENEO Women’s Volleyball Team dominated the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons in a flawless 3-0 victory last Saturday, February 2, at The Arena in San Juan.
The match featured a considerable amount of minutes from the sisters Bea and Gizelle Tan, veteran Ailysse Nacachi, and Amy Ahomiro. With starting libero Den Lazaro out due to asthma, the reserves played well and gained much needed experience.
Ateneo started the match with a quick 8-2 first set start led by Angeline Gervacio’s serves. Along with Marge Tejada, Alyssa Valdez and Jem Ferrer, Team Ateneo cruised to an easy 25-14 triumph. Ateneo finished with 13 attacks and six service aces, which carried them enough momentum for the remainder of the match.
The second set showed the same story for Ateneo. Valdez led the Lady Eagles to a 10-2 lead and never looked back. With Gervacio taking charge, Ateneo once again piled up their service aces, preventing the Lady Maroons from getting into rhythm. The set ended with the Lady Eagles on top once more, 25-8.
UP started the third set with a little more sense of urgency. With Jaye Ong playing aggressive and refusing to give up on the match, the Lady Maroons piled up a quick 4-2 start. Gervacio and Valdez, however, made Ong’s efforts futile. Gervacio piled up a total of eight service aces while Valdez finished with 21 points, allowing the Ateneo Lady Eagles to cruise to a 25-16 victory.
With this win, the Lady Eagles are now at 8-3 in standings. Their next game will be on Wednesday, February 6, against the University of the East at The Arena in San Juan.
