Alyssa Valdez-less Ateneo beats UST in V-League opener

vleague Jho Maraguinot

Ateneo’s Jho Maraguinot tries to break UST’s three-woman block with a spike. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Alyssa Valdez did not play but Ateneo hardly needed her anyway in a 25-11, 27-25, 19-25, 25-20 win over University of Santo Tomas in the opener of the 12th Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference Saturday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Valdez is taking a much-needed rest upon the advice of her head coach Tai Bundit following what has been a rigorous year of volleyball but the Lady Eagles made do without her with Jho Maraguinot leading a collective effort.

BACKSTORY: Ateneo opens Shakey’s V-League bid against UST

Maraguinot led all scorers with 23 points, while Amy Ahomiro and Bea de Leon added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Ateneo also missed the services of its incoming rookie Kat Tolentino, whose much-awaited debut will have to wait after she hurt her right knee as she was warming up before the game.

Pam Lastimosa paced the Tigresses with 14 points. IDL

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