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MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo picked up where it left off last year and trumped University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-21, 25-13, for a fourth victory in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball tournament.
While the Lady Eagles led for most of the match and trailed not bigger than two points, they actually needed time to pull away from the pesky Lady Maroons for good.
It was only in the third set that Ateneo built a 10-point lead, its biggest, scoring its fourth straight win after dropping their opening game in the tournament.
“We’re happy to get this fourth straight, especially that it’s the New Year,” said Alyssa Valdez, who remained sharp even after the holiday break.
The league’s best scorer effortlessly put on a 24-point effort for the streaking Lady Eagles, who played sans Thai head coach Anurson Bundit.
“We had the same training and routine, but his presence would’ve made a difference if he was here. But we were able to adjust and still executed what he usually asks us to do,” said Valdez.
Amy Ahomiro added 14 points including the game-clinching block, while Ana Gopico provided the spark in the early sets for a 10-point showing.
The Lady Maroons, who slipped to their fifth loss, showed they could compete with the Lady Eagles, but could not overtake them.
Every time Ateneo threatened to pull away, UP managed to stay within striking distance and even pull to within a point, 21-22, in the second set — but that was the closest it would get.
Katherine Bersola was the lone-double digit scorer for the Lady Maroons with 12 points, including a game-best four blocks.