Ateneo blasts UE for 11-2 mark

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo blew past University of the East, 25-18, 25-12, 25-10, in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Eagles improved to 11-2, and though they have the same record as league-leader De La Salle, they stayed in second place because of a 33-32 points disadvantage in the standings.

Ponggay finished things off for the Lady Eagles who played without outside hitter Jhoana Maraguinot who head coach Tai Bundit gave the day off.

Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses said substitutes Jules Samonte and Kim Gequillana, who’s been the Lady Eagles’ consistent closer, are fully capable of filling in the void Maraguinot left.

“Everybody trains the same and Jules and Kim had a great performance today,” said Meneses. “So even though Jho didn’t play the other kids played well.”

Despite the absence of Maraguinot, Ateneo played all of its players with the exception of Janelle Lo.

Kat Tolentino was the high-point lass for the Lady Eagles finishing with 12 points while Bea De Leon added nine.

Samonte and Gequillana had three points apiece as they shared the playing time Maraguinot takes.

Ateneo also enjoyed 27 free points courtesy of the Lady Warriors’ miscues.

Mary Anne Mendrez led the 1-12 Lady Warriors with six points.