Ateneo gets back at La Salle, clinches top spot

Ateneo Lady Eagles celebrate during their five-set win over the De La Salle Lady Spikers on Sunday, April 10, 2016. The Lady Eagles seized the top seeding after finishing their campaign in the elimination round with a 12-2 record. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Defending champion Ateneo got back at fierce rival De La Salle, 21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 15-5, and clinched the top seeding in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Eagles, who avenged their 25-22, 25-14, 25-18 loss to the Lady Spikers in the first round, will head into the Final Four as the No. 1 team with a 12-2 record.

READ: La Salle denies Ateneo of first round sweep

La Salle dropped to 10-3 with a clash with National University as its last game in the eliminations.

“Really thankful we won. It went to five sets and La Salle gave us a really good fight. They played well today,” Valdez said.

Valdez added it was the Lady Eagles’ improvement in their service and receiving that paved the way for the statement victory.

Ateneo had 71 excellent digs compared to La Salle’s 62.

Valdez had her way in the offensive end as she finished with 24 points while Jhoana Maraguinot and Bea De Leon had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Amy Ahomiro and Kim Gequillana also had vital contributions with nine points apiece.

Ara Galang led the Lady Spikers with 20 points while Mary Joy Baron added 15.

Cyd Demecillo, who returned to her old position as an attacker after an injury forced him to play libero for a time, had 12 points for La Salle while Kim Dy had 11.