UAAP: Ateneo closes in on first round sweep, routs UE

Alyssa Valdez vs two UE defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Make that 24 straight.

Ateneo continued to exert its dominance in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament, this time clobbering cellar dweller University of the East in straight sets, 25-12, 25-10, 25-10, to close in on a first round sweep Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Ateneo improved to 6-0 this season, stretching its streak to 24 straight dating back to March 2014. The Lady Eagles last loss was to rival La Salle back in the UAAP Season 76 finals

Jho Maraguinot topscored in the balanced attack for the Lady Eagles with 12 points, 11 of which coming from kills, while Alyssa Valdez had 10, including the smashing spike to end the 58-minute affair.

“Everyone played well, everyone contributed, not only the first six, but also the second stringers. For sure, coach Tai is happy na napaglaro nya yung mga bata to build up confidence. It’s really a learning experience for everyone,” said Valdez.

Bea de Leon’s eight points equalized the Lady Warriors’ total spike points, while Jia Morado also was pivotal in the victory with six points, four coming from attacks and two from blocks, on top of her 27 excellent sets.

Judith Abil led UE with three points, as the Lady Warriors fell to their sixth straight defeat of the season and 51st consecutive loss abridging four seasons.