Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo has started to gain stability after winning its second straight game at the expense of University of the East, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-14, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
After losing their first two assignments, the Lady Eagles have improved to 2-2 for the fourth spot while the Lady Warriors remained in search of their first victory and reeled to 0-4.
The Lady Eagles used a 12-4 run in the fourth set that Ponggay Gaston finished with a down-the-line kill to give Ateneo a 16-8 lead and effectively fend off UE.
Despite the win, captain Maddie Madayag said the first set was such of a disappointment for them that they forgot to play with happiness.
“They were really tense inside the floor earlier and I don’t think they knew what to do,” said Madayag in Filipino. “They don’t have the focus to play and everybody was like ‘oh my God.’ They weren’t happy at all.”
“They just have to enjoy the game because I know that if we’re happy we can beat anybody.”
Jhoanna Maraguinot led Ateneo with 20 points while Madayag had 12.
Shaya Adorador had 14 points to lead the Lady Warriors while Mary Ann Mendrez added 12.