Ateneo tries to keep in step with leaders

FILE – Ateneo Lady Eagles. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo seeks to stay on the heels of leaders University of the Philippines and National University when it battles winless Adamson Friday in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles, who have won two of their first three games in the post Alyssa Valdez-era, are fancied to roll past the Lady Falcons, who are also looking to give new coach Air Padda her first victory in the 4 p.m. match.

With setter Jia Morado in fine form, Ateneo prevailed over University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U in the first two games, before running into a brick wall in National U in its last outing.

The Lady Bulldogs, who share the lead with the Lady Maroons with a 3-0 slate, proved too sharp for the Lady Eagles in four sets last week.

Still, the Lady Eagles, who are tied with the La Salle Lady Spikers in third spot, are happy with their solid start so far in the tournament.

“We have a balanced team and everyone has been contributing,” said Lady Eagles assistant coach Sherwin Meneses. “We just need to improve our reception, which was a problem against FEU.”

The Lady Tamaraws hope to get back to their winning ways against University of the East at 2 p.m.

Bernadette Pons will once again spearhead the Lady Tamaraws, who also dropped their opening game against La Salle two weeks ago.

Despite their 0-3 record, the Lady Warriors are playing better than expected with coach Francis Vicente’s squad putting up fighting performances in the first three games.