Ateneo takes down Malaysia, swoops bronze in Asean University Games

MANILA, Philippines—Flying off to another country, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles swooped down on the bronze medal at the expense of Malaysia in a lopsided 3-0 victory, 25-11, 25-11, 25-16 at the Asean University Games in Palembang, Indonesia Sunday afternoon.

Alyssa Valdez and Ella de Jesus took their scoring acts to the big stages closing out Malaysia with back-to-back hits that ensured the Philippine representatives the third-place medal.

“We are happy for this bronze medal finish, especially, for an inexperienced team like the Lady Eagles,” team manager Tony Boy Liao said.

Ateneo completely owned the third set taking control from the opening serve and dished out a beating to Malaysia that saw the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbors evaporate under the immense attack of the UAAP champions.

Liao said the members of the team, who played for the first time out of Philippine soil, showed their composure and stood proudly as the representatives of the Philippines.

“It’s their first time to play outside the country and represent the Philippines. I feel very proud of this team,” Liao said. “We offer and share our victory to the one Philippine Volleyball.”

Valdez and de Jesus led the Eagle charge with 16 and 14 points respectively.