Madayag: Ateneo needs to play with more confidence

Ateneo has finally shrugged off its sluggish start to the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Lady Eagles, after starting 0-2, have now strung together two straight wins with the last one coming in a four-setter against bottom-dwelling University of the East Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

Skipper Maddie Madayag, though, still wants to see more from her team.

“We need more confidence especially that we have a new setter and new liberos,” said Madayag in Filipino after their 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-14 win over the Lady Warriors.

“It’s like we need to have more motivation when we play in the future.”

Ateneo’s conundrum is losing a plethora of its players with setter Jia Morado sitting out the final year of her collegiate career and libero Gizelle Tan graduating.

The Lady Eagles also lost Michelle Morente, who transferred to La Salle, Kim Gequillana, and Ana Gopico.

Sophomore Deanna Wong have now taken over the playmaking duties for the Lady Eagles while Dani Ravena and Jenelle Lo take turns as the team’s defensive anchor.

“We just have to enjoy and focus on the game,” said Madayag who had 12 points against UE.