Ahomiro steps up as Ateneo blanks SWU

Amy Ahomiro INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo blanked Southwestern University, 25-13, 25-18, 25-20, even with key players riding the bench on Sunday in the Shakey’s V-League First Conference at the Arena in San Juan.

Amy Ahomiro led the Lady Eagles with 13 points including four blocks while Kassandra Gequillana and Michelle Morente chipped in nine points apiece.

Ateneo played sans Ella De Jesus and libero Denden Lazaro while reigning UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez only saw limited minutes.

“Denden has an exam, Ella is injured and we decided to use Alyssa only for two sets. We wanted them to rest and so we used other players,” said coach Parely Tupas.

The newly-crowned UAAP champions had a whirlwind schedule last week with TV show guestings left and right.

“It was only this week that we got to practice consecutively. Last week we only had two practices. Maybe the girls also got tired with the day long guestings,” Tupaz said.

But Ahomiro remained energetic and put the UAAP champions closer to match point with back to back hits, 23-16.

The Lady Cobras, who were aiming to follow up on their opening day win, managed to score three straight to pull within four points.

An open hit from Jhonna Maraginot and a service error from the the Cebu-based SWU sealed the Lady Eagles’ second victory in the tournament.

SWU, meanwhile, reeled to its fourth defeat in group A and is in great danger of missing the quarterfinals.