RIGHT BEFORE the awaited matchup against archrivals De La Salle University (DLSU), the Ateneo Lady Eagles defeated the University of the East (UE) in three sets, 25-7, 25-17, 25-8, on Saturday, January 10, at the Fil Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles built up a huge advantage early in the first set, as they were able to put up a 9-0 scoring run within the first few minutes of the match. UE’s Roselle Baliton started the ball rolling for the Lady Warriors at 9-1, but attacks from rookie Bea de Leon and service aces from Amy Ahomiro kept the points coming for the Blue and White. The team was able to sustain the huge lead until the set ended at 25-7.
UE then recuperated with a renewed drive to improve on their offensive lapse, with Abegail Ponon and Bien Juanillo stepping up to rally the team’s offense. The Lady Warriors’ attacks significantly improved, but Ateneo Team Captain Alyssa Valdez ultimately dominated the playing field. Her presence on the court hindered the Lady Warriors from gaining much points from attacks. Her offense, along with aggressiveness from Amy Ahomiro and Michelle Morente, eventually closed the set at 25-17.
The third and last set featured the entrance of several Ateneo rookies into the playing field. Starter Bea de Leon was accompanied by fellow rookies Therese Gaston, Maddie Madayag and Jhoana Maraguinot in rallying the Lady Eagles to their sixth win for the season. Their efforts gave positive results, as they managed to hold on to a huge margin throughout the set. Gaston eventually sealed the deal for the Lady Eagles at 25-8 after scoring on a direct hit to UE’s open zone.
This win puts the Lady Eagles at 6-0 in the elimination round standings.
The Lady Eagles had gained 46 points off attacks, a 37-point difference against UE’s nine. They also tallied three points off blocks and 11 off service aces.
Valdez topped the team in scoring with 23 points followed up by Morente and Ahomiro with 10. Setter Jia Morado distributed the ball with 21 excellent sets while libero Denden Lazaro notched nine excellent digs.
Valdez shared that the win was their comeback to their last game against UP. “We were out of focus last time, and now we really feel that we’re back in the UAAP. We are really happy with what we did today,” she stated in a mix of English and Filipino.
When asked how the team felt about the upcoming game against DLSU, she quipped, “We’re going to take it one game at a time. Coach Tai repeatedly told us to treat it as normal as possible.”
The long awaited rematch of last season’s finalists is set to happen 4 PM tomorrow, January 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Scores:
Ateneo: Valdez – 23, Ahomiro – 10, Morente – 10, De Leon – 6, De Jesus – 5, Madayag – 3, Morado – 2, Gaston – 1
UE: Juanillo – 5, Dawis – 3, Adorador – 2, Dacaymat – 2, Baliton – 1, Manansala – 1
