Ateneo wins six straight, sends UP to fourth loss

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo clobbered a struggling University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-14, 25-15, for its sixth straight win in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Eagles strengthened their position atop the ladder with a 7-1 record while the Lady Maroons, after starting the season 4-0, slipped to their fourth straight loss and are now at sixth place with a 4-4 record.

Jia Morado, who had 38 excellent sets in the match, finished things off for the Lady Eagles with a drop ball that settled softly on UP’s side of the court.

Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses said the team’s confidence is on a high after their sixth straight win, but warned that head coach Tai Bundit would never let the players think they’re on such roll.

“The kids’ confidence is really high right now but I always say that coach Tai will put them through a regimen as if we’re not at 7-1,” said Meneses. “Actually the kids don’t think about the standings when they play.”

Jhoana Maraguinot led Ateneo with 17 points while Kat Tolentino added 10.

Isa Molde had eight points to spur UP.