AMY Ahomiro of Ateneo soars for a spike off Marlyn Llagoso of Southwestern University. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo soared anew while University of Santo Tomas foiled Far Eastern University’s bid for the lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Rebounding strong, the Lady Eagles came back from a shock loss by blasting Southwestern University in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, 25-20, to climb to a share of second at 2-1 in Group A.
Amy Ahomiro took charge with 13 points as the Lady Eagles dominated the game even with star hitter Alyssa Valdez on the bench in the third set and key cogs Denden Lazaro and Ella de Jesus also missing the match.
In Group B, the Tigresses leaned on a strong attacking game early to hack out a 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13 victory over the Lady Tamaraws.
The Tigresses’ triumph spoiled the Lady Tamaraws’ attempt to grab a piece of the group lead as the two squads wound up in a three-way tie with idle San Sebastian at 1-1.
A week after her 23-point debut, rookie Ennajie Laure again came out firing with 13 attacks and three service aces in a 17-point outing.
Jessey de Leon and Pam Lastimosa also teamed up for 31 points for the Tigresses, who set the tone with a blistering 20-12 start in the first frame before sewing it up in the fourth with a decisive 25-13 set win.
The Lady Eagles, fresh from their first UAAP women’s volleyball title romp, absorbed a five-set shocker, 25-21, 16-25, 25-17, 20-25, 13-15, from Arellano last week.
But the Lady Eagles made sure there will be no upset this time as they overwhelmed the Lady Cobras on all fronts and even humbled their Cebu-based foes with twice as many attacks, 38-19.
Ateneo deputy coach Parley Tupaz said the team was in complete command that he saw an opportunity to rest the hurting Valdez in the third frame.
“We rested Alyssa because of her [injured] left knee,” said Tupaz, who’s filling in for coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit, who’s still in Thailand.
Veteran libero Lazaro also skipped the match due to school commitments, while De Jesus had a shin injury.