Ateneo routs FEU for third straight win in UAAP volleyball

Ateneo Lady Eagles celebrate a point vs FEU Lady Tamaraws.

Chalk up another one for the defending champions as Ateneo blew past Far Eastern University in three sets, 25-22, 25-19, 25-15, for its third straight win in the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo’s sparkplug Jhoana Maraguinot sealed the victory for the Lady Eagles–their 21 straight overall dating back to Season 76–putting them atop the standings with a 3-0 record.

Despite the resounding victory, Lady Eagles team captain Alyssa Valdez said they still need to improve their consistency after a bittersweet first set.

READ: Alyssa Valdez: From the UAAP and beyond

Ateneo started the first set on an 11-1 blitz but the Lady Tamaraws fought back and made it 24-22 before Bea De Leon’s set winner.

“Lagi namang sinasabi ni coach Tai [Bundit] samin na volleyball yan at di maiiwasan na lalapit at lalapit kalaban,” Valdez said. “It’s our first time maglaro sa MOA this season, I think everyone naman, so ang adjust kami and as a new team yung consistency talaga kailangan i-focus at syempre yung maturity ng team.”

Valdez added that it’s also a good thing they can see their weaknesses this early in the season.

READ: FEU rebounds, extends UE’s skid in UAAP women’s volleyball

“Nakikita namin every set, siguro syempre may weaknesses kami at mga pagkukulang as a team.”

Ateneo relied on its heavy attack to swoop down on the 1-2 Lady Tamaraws, converting on 42 spikes while FEU only managed 25.

Valdez led the defending champions with 15 points while Maddi Madayag and Maraguinot added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Toni Rose Basas led FEU with 12 points while Jerrili Malabanan had 10.