UAAP: Ateneo bounces back with emphatic win over struggling NU

Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo made sure its losing streak would stay at two as the defending champions tripped National University 26-24, 25-17, 25-19 in the UAAP Season 78 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alyssa Valdez and company stayed atop the standings with a 7-3 record while the Lady Bulldogs succumbed to their fourth loss in five games and fell to 4-5 behind fourth seed Far Eastern University.

Rubbing salt to the Lady Bulldogs’ wound was a sorry error in the final possession as the Lady Eagles got back on winning track and ended their losing spell–a first since they lost three in a row in Season 74.

Valdez admitted they weren’t at their best in their past two games and hoped the win would give them the much-needed momentum to start the second round.

“We’re just really thankful and I think the team really struggled, I mean skills-wise, mentally, physically, lahat nag struggle,” Valdez said. “We hope this is the start where we will play as a team.”

Just before NU’s fatal error in the final moment, it was Valdez who put Ateneo on the brink of victory when a service ace gave them the 24-19 match point.

Valdez poured in 20 points to lead the Lady Eagles while Jhoana Maraguinot added 12.

Kim Gequillana also put up numbers in the Atenean offensive with nine points while Maddie Madayag had eight.

Jaja Santiago led NU with 12 points while Jorelle Singh added nine.