Ateneo whips CSB; Davao debuts with win over FEU

LUMI Yongco (left) of St. Benilde attacks the defense of Ateneo’s Julia Morado in yesterday’s game at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo made quick work of St. Benilde Sunday even as Davao debuted in style in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Hardly missing a beat even after a two-week rest, the Lady Eagles repulsed the Lady Blazers, 25-15, 25-19, 25-20, to become the third team from Group A to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.

Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez came up with another solid outing, finishing with 13 points in just two sets to power the Lady Eagles to their third win in four outings.

Earlier, newcomer Davao created a stir with an emphatic 25-20, 25-19, 20-25, 25-22 win over Far Eastern University in Group B.

May Agton and Venus Flores combined for 29 hits as the Lady Agilas fashioned out their first victory in the league in 104 minutes.

The Lady Agilas, who had eight service aces and five more attack points than the Lady Tamaraws with 50, remained in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth while leaving FEU’s fate to the outcome of the remaining group games.

Princess Joy Oliveros also dished out 11 points for Davao, which also got a combined 17 from Angel Antipuesto and Jocimer Tapic.

The Lady Tamaraws, who drew 12 hits from Bernadette Pons, remain in third with a 2-3 record although University of Santo Tomas and Davao still have matches that could allow them to snatch a last-eight berth ahead of FEU.

With the loss, the Lady Blazers dropped to 1-2, although they still have the inside track on the last quarterfinal berth ahead of winless St. Louis University and Southwestern U.