UP Lady Maroons vs Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ATENEO repulsed a gallant effort by the University of the Philippines’ celebrated rookies as the Lady Eagles streaked to their fourth straight victory with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-21 decision in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Alyssa Valdez again came to the fore for the defending champions when the Lady Maroons came close to turning the game around in the second set behind freshmen Diana Carlos and Isa Molde.
“It’s a good sign that we have good [reception] and communication, so we’ll have a better flow inside the court,” said Valdez, who even graced the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards the night before the game to receive her third straight Miss Volleyball award.
Valdez fired all but one of her 13 points off kills, while Bea de Leon posted three of Ateneo’s four blocks in a similar 13-point outing.
National University also streaked to its third straight victory with a quick 25-12, 25-13, 25-16 triumph over winless University of the East.
Jaja Santiago and Myla Pablo teamed up for 20 points to power the Lady Bulldogs, who just came off an upset win over favored La Salle.
“What I’m looking at is for the team to improve its fluidity,” said coach Roger Gorayeb after NU gained a share of second at 3-1.
Carlos, a recruit from Pampanga, paced the Lady Maroons with a game-high 16 points.
In men’s action, Ateneo bounced back from a shock loss with a gruelling 25-20, 23-25, 22-25, 25-21,15-10 triumph over arch rival La Salle to regain a share of the lead.
Marck Espejo scattered 35 points as the defending champions climbed to the top again at 3-1 with Adamson, the Blue Eagles’ surprise tormentor last week.
The Falcons followed up that huge upset with a 30-28, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19 victory over Far Eastern University.