UAAP Volleyball: Ateneo, NU hurdle rivals

MANILA, Philippines—Highschool phenomenon Alyssa Valdez lived up to her billing and although cramps got her out of the match in the third set, Ateneo still managed to beat University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 25-23, 25-18, at the start of UAAP Season 74 women’s volleyball action at the Arena in San Juan on Saturday.

National U also made its presence felt by bringing down University of the Philippines, 25-6, 25-15, 25-18.

In men’s action, JR Labrador unleashed 21 total points to go with his four blocks and Arvin Avila added 11 hits as Season 73 runner-up Far Eastern U downed De La Salle, 25-16, 17-25, 25-23, 25-16.

NU, behind Reuben Inaudito’s 20 points and Peter Den Mar Torres’ 16 hits also sent a strong message in the men’s side after bringing down Adamson, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 18-25, 15-8.

Valdez sparkled with 13 hits but the former Junior Tigresses star suffered cramps in the third set, a loss her teammates managed to fill up with excellent plays and a strong defense.

“I’m happy with the way my wards played,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb. “There were lapses, but 80 to 90 percent, there’s the performance I’m expecting from them.”

Fille Cainglet had 12 hits and Dzi Gervacio contributed 11 points and four blocks for Ateneo.

Not to be outdone was another rookie, Ella de Jesus, who subbed for Valdez. She scored four points and was complemented by fellow newcomer Alysse Nacachi, who had three hits.

Maru Banaticla made 12 points and Maika Ortiz 10 for UST.