THE ATENEO Lady Eagles defeated the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in three sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23 on Wednesday, February 4 at the Fil Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles struggled in the scoring department throughout the first set, with FEU leading the match until the score was at 21-18. Reception errors from the FEU side and Amy Ahomiro’s heroic tactics, however, allowed Ateneo to catch up and tie the game at 21-all. Alyssa Valdez’s successive attacks and a service ace from Jia Morado then gave Ateneo the set at 25-23.
The Blue and White squad again came from behind in the second set after ceding the first few points to FEU. Coach Tai noticed a defensive lapse in the Blue and White squad, partly because of Bea de Leon’s absence due to an injury. He then fielded in rookie Maddie Madayag in her place and improved on the blocking department. Ateneo was able to recuperate until Morado performed her trademark drop ball, which ended the set at 25-21.
The third set proved to be a different story for the LadyEagles, as they easily rampaged in the scoring department early in the final set. While Bernadeth Pons hustled to carry the Lady Tamaraws on her shoulders, her efforts were not enough to upset Ateneo’s offense. A lifting error by the FEU defenders eventually closed the set and match at 25-23.
This win puts the Lady Eagles at 11-0 in the elimination round standings.
The Lady Eagles gained 47 points off attacks, a 16-point difference against FEU’s 31. They also tallied 2 points off blocks and 8 off service aces.
Team captain Valdez topped the team in scoring with 23 points followed up by Ahomiro with 13, De Jesus with 10, Morente and Madayag with four each and Morado with three. Morado also distributed the ball with 30 excellentsets while libero Denden Lazaro notched seven excellent digs.
Their next game will be against the University of Santo Tomas, 4pm, Wednesday, February 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Scores:
ADMU: Valdez – 23, Ahomiro – 13, De Jesus – 10, Morente –4, Madayag – 4, Morado – 3
FEU: Pons– 13, Malabanan – 9, Palma – 6, Basas – 5,Casugud – 4, Negrito– 2
