Ateneo extends streak to 11, escapes persistent FEU

Photo by Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles continue to fly above competition as they survived the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws 3-0, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, in their second round dance in the UAAP Season 77 Volleyball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday afternoon.

FEU gave Ateneo a serious fight for in win streak but a couple of errors from the Lady Tams extended the streak of the Lady Eagles to 11.

First it was Toni Rose Basas whose serve went too long that gave the Lady Eagles the matchpoint and Kyle Negrito followed it up with an illegal block that saw Ateneo preserve its unbeaten run and put FEU at a 4-7 record.

Ateneo team captain Alyssa Valdez said they are challenging themselves to keep their win streak going as the tournament nears the Final Four.

“It’s a challenge for us; good thing that we are performing consistently,” Valdez said.

She added that all of the pressure goes to their head coach Tai Bundit who has to make up the game plan for every opponent.

“All of the pressure is put on coach Tai, he’s the one who thinks of everything,” Valdez said. “And us players are the ones that need to put it to work.”

“We have to meet halfway.”

FEU had a 22-20 lead over Ateneo, and looking confident that they could extend the match, but Maddie Madayag launched a quick attack and Valdez followed it up with two crosscourt kills.

Valdez was once again on point with 23 points while Amy Ahomiro and Ella de Jesus had 13 and 10 points, respectivel,y for Ateneo which played without injured middle blocker Bea de Leon.

Bernadeth Pons was the high-point Lady Tamaraw with 13, while Jerrili Malabanan added nine for the seventh-place FEU.

RELATED STORIES

UAAP volleyball: Ateneo eyes 11th win; La Salle battles UST

Ateneo humbles UP in three sets, clinches Final Four slot