In line with the ongoing University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Volleyball tournament, this weekly series will analyze the state of the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their journey to reclaim the volleyball crown.
Recap of the week
THE ATENEO Lady Eagles entered their match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses knowing that there was simply no room for error. A loss to the Tigresses would have seen the Blue and White garner their worst ever start to a season under the leadership of Coach Tai Bundit.
The Lady Eagles, however, refused to succumb to the pressure as they exhibited an excellent all-around offensive performance to defeat the resilient Tigresses and the current division top scorer Cherry Rondina in four sets (16-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-23) to claim their first victory of the season. The victory saw the Blue and White move to a 1-2 win-loss standing in Season 80 of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball tournament.
- A great all-around offensive performance vs UST
The Lady Eagles were substantial on offense as four players put up double-digit scoring numbers against the division’s third highest kill-blocking team in UST. Jho Maraguinot, who is currently the UAAP’s third leading scorer (48 total points), split 33 points evenly among herself, Bea de Leon, and Kat Tolentino with a contribution of 11 points each. Jules Samonte, meanwhile, contributed 10 points as the fourth Lady Eagle in double-digit scoring numbers in the game.
Should the Blue and White continue to spread the points among themselves, the tactic of triple blocking Maraguinot could prove fatal for opposing teams as doing so will result in floor defense gaps ready for the Lady Eagles to expose.
- Jho Maraguinot, Kat Tolentino carry the offensive load
The outside spiker duo of Maraguinot and Tolentino has been excellent so far for the Lady Eagles as both are within the top five in the league in scoring. Maraguinot, who currently sits at third, also has the second highest conversion rate at 40.95%. Tolentino, meanwhile, is fifth with 37 total points.
Although de Leon and Samonte could take on scoring responsibilities as well when called upon, Maraguinot and Tolentino have undoubtedly served as an invaluable assets to the Lady Eagles’ offense this season.
- Sky is the limit for Ravena
The absence of Vanessa Baguiwet due to UAAP Track & Field commitments prompted Ravena to suit up as the team’s secondary libero entering the National University (NU) game. During the match, the rookie was substituted into play after NU scored off nine aces in the first two sets. Ravena’s heroics, which included a spectacular one-handed diving save, helped the team in holding NU scoreless off aces in the third and fourth sets. Ravena eventually finished the match with nine excellent digs, thus earning a start from Coach Tai against UST.
[4th Set] What a save from Ravena!! An NU spike flies wide shortly after!
Ateneo 10 NU 5#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/ECD9RkSRzL
— Jason R. Santos (@Jason_TheGUIDON) February 7, 2018
Ravena then justified her selection by putting up 13 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions against the Golden Tigresses in a steady and mature performance from the back row. Throughout the match, Ravena constantly responded to a bevy of attacks with a string of solid and composed saves, which in turn, helped keep the division’s most aggressive spiking team (443 total attempts) at bay. With the Blue and White currently leading the division in reception faults at 43, Ravena’s further immersion in the waters of this level of competition over time could possibly see the team’s rate of reception faults enter a gradual decrease.
Upcoming Games
Wednesday, February 21, 2:00 PM vs. Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City
Sunday, February 25, 2:00 PM vs. University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City
Saturday, March 3, 4:00 PM vs. De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City
