THE ATENEO Lady Eagles outmatched the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in straight sets, 25-18,25-22, 25-22, on Wednesday, February 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Head Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit did not follow his usual lineup for this match against the Tigresses. Instead of fielding in rookies Jhoana Maraguinot and Bea de Leon in the starting six, he turned to previous regulars Michelle Morente and Aeriel Patnongon to lead the team in the offensive department.

Through this tactic, the opponents struggled to read Ateneo’s gameplay and found it hard to set up defensive strategies. This allowed the Lady Eagles to dominate all three sets as they finished the match with an overwhelming 21-point advantage in attacks, scoring 46 against UST’s 25. They also gained four points off blocks and seven off service aces.

Although the Lady Eagles swept the match, several injuries were incurred. Rookie Maddie Madayag sprained her ankle towards the end of the third set, while Team Captain Alyssa Valdez took a minor injury in the wrist. The team looks to recuperate for their fast-approaching games against the University of the East and archrival De La Salle University next week.

Their win against the Lady Tigresses puts the Katipunan-based team at a 12-0 tally in the elimination round standings.

Valdez topped the team in scoring with 21 points, followed up by Amy Ahomiro with 12 and Morente with 11. Their counterparts from UST also displayed excellent effort in the offensive department, with Pam Lastimosa, EJ Laure and Ria Meneses checking in nine markers each.

Setter Jia Morado also was crucial to the Lady Eagles’ win as she distributed the ball with 33 excellent sets.

Their next game will be against the University of the East, 2 PM, Sunday, February 15, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Scores:

ADMU: Valdez – 21, Ahomiro – 12, Morente – 11, De Jesus – 7, Morado – 3, Madayag – 2, Patnongon – 1

UST: Lastimosa – 9, Laure – 9, Meneses – 9, Cabanos – 4, De Leon – 4, Cortez – 2, Tunay – 1