THE ATENEO Lady Eagles are gaining momentum after claiming their second straight 3-0 victory by defeating the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-14, 25-21, and 25-21, on Wednesday, February 22 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

This win sees the Blue and White move to a 4-1 win-loss record in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Women’s Volleyball tournament.

The first set saw the Lady Eagles immediately hitting the ground running, as the team entered the first technical timeout leading by four (8-4). However, the UE Lady Warriors soon responded with some perfectly hit crosscourt attacks to eventually tie the set at 13-all. However, strong plays from Madayag, de Leon, and Morente would see the Blue and White eventually take the first set, 25-14.

The second set then saw a more ferocious UE side as the two teams traded points back-and-forth before Ateneo eventually entered the first technical timeout leading by two (8-6). Exiting the first technical timeout, UE soldiered on with their more aggressive style of play to eventually overtake Ateneo and enter the second technical timeout leading by one (15-16). However, unforced errors and miscommunication errors from the Lady Warriors would prove costly, as the Lady Eagles eventually took the second set, 25-21.

The third set started in similar fashion to the second set as both teams once again traded points back-and-forth. Eventually, Ateneo would enter the first technical timeout only leading by one (8-7). Some crucial stops and unforced errors would then cost the Lady Eagles as they then entered the second technical timeout trailing by two. (14-16). However, Maddie Madayag and Michelle Morente immediately rose to the plate, as they blocked and scored tirelessly to see the Lady Eagles through the third set, 25-21, and take the game.

After the match, Assistant Coach Sherwin Meneses praised Team Captain Jia Morado’s valuable efforts after her excellent setting exhibition today. “Importante talaga si Jia kasi dumadaan ang play namin sa kanya. Ipinakita niya iyon sa game na ‘to (Jia is really important because the plays pass through her– she showed it in today’s match.)

The Ateneo Lady Eagles will square off against the undefeated University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons at 4PM on Sunday, February 26 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Box Scores:

Ateneo: Morente- 13, De Leon- 11, Madayag- 9, Tolentino- 8, Morado- 6, Maraguinot- 3, Gequillana- 3, Gopico- 2, Gaston- 1

UE: Mendrez- 11, Adorador- 11, Alcayde- 5, Abil- 3, Sta.Maria- 2, Gabarda- 2, Rodriguez- 1, Baliton- 1, Bendong- 1

Lady Eagles are gaining momentum after claiming their second straight 3-0 victory by defeating the UE Lady Warriors, 25-14, 25-21, and 25-21.

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