Lady Eagles outclass Lady Tams for solo lead

HOPING for another winning streak, Ateneo blasted Far Eastern University, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21, to reclaim the solo top spot at 8-2 in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles—who leaned on another big outing from Alyssa Valdez—picked up their second straight victory after back-to-back upset losses to De La Salle University and University of the Philippines.

“We have to move forward and let go of the negatives,” Ateneo setter Jia Morado said of the defending champions, whose incredible two-year, 24-game winning run came to an end a couple of weeks ago.

Valdez pumped in 20 points, including 17 off kills, while Morado tallied 37 excellent sets for the Lady Eagles.

AMY Ahomiro of Ateneo sneaks one off Toni Rose Basas of Far Eastern in yesterday’s UAAP match at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

La Salle whipped Ateneo, 25-22, 25-14, 25-18, last Feb. 27 for the Lady Eagles’ first loss since their winning streak began in 2014.

FEU fell to a share of fourth at 5-5 with National University, which coasted to a 25-15, 25-12, 25-11 victory over University of the East.

The Lady Bulldogs hope the lopsided win—which had NU star Jaja Santiago firing 16 points—would help the team regain its confidence after dropping four of five games the past weeks.

“Hopefully this kind of win will help the players,” said NU coach Roger Gorayeb. “We hope it will always be this way.”

In men’s action, defending champion Ateneo tripped NU, 26-28, 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, to keep top spot at 9-1.

The Blue Eagles overcame a shaky start as Marck Espejo took over to finish with 25 points built on 19 kills, four blocks and a couple of aces.

University of the Philippines also carved out a 25-9, 25-22, 25-19 triumph over UE to improve with a 5-5 slate.