The juggernaut continues for Ateneo in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament as the defending champions pounded out a 25-15, 25-16, 25-17 triumph over Far Eastern University yesterday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning MVP Alyssa Valdez scored all of her 16 points from attacks and came through with 10 digs as the Lady Eagles grabbed the top spot with a 3-0 record.
Later, National University overcame a tough University of the Philippines challenge to hammer out a 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-12, 15-9 triumph and finally barge into the win column.
Bea de Leon was a force in the middle as the former Poveda standout had two blocks to finish with 10 points, while sophomore setter Jia Morado tossed in 42 excellent sets for Ateneo.
Powerless in neutralizing Valdez’s powerful spikes, the Lady Tamaraws’ usually efficient net and floor defense bogged down.
Bernadette Pons had seven points and six digs while Remy Palma had three blocks to finish also with seven points for FEU, which failed to follow up its straight set win over UP.
The Lady Bulldogs ended a two-game slide while the Lady Maroons fell to 0-2.
“At least now we can breathe easier,” said NU coach Ariel dela Cruz, who had Asi Soliven as the setter as Ivy Perez was a late scratch due to an ankle injury. “We were coming off two straight losses and we’re glad we were able to recover in the end.”
Jaja Santiago and Jorelle Singh had 20 hits apiece while Myla Pablo added 16 markers for the Lady Bulldogs.
Kathy Bersola and Vina Vera Vinas led UP, which tied Adamson University at 0-2, with 16 hits each while Nicole Tiamzon and Angeli Araneta added 14 and 11 hits respectively.
The Lady Maroons were brought to their knees by their 36 errors
In men’s play, reigning titlist National University go 3-0 by drubbing La Salle, 25-16, 25-21, 25-19, with Fauzi Ismail, Rueben Inaudito and Peter Torres combining for 36 hits.
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas nipped Ateneo, 20-25, 25-22, 17-25, 25-20, 15-12, with Mark Alfafara and Romnick Rico leading the way with 22 and 20 hits respectively.