Lady Eagles welcome back Gorayeb with easy win

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo welcomed back coach Roger Gorayeb as the Lady Eagles overwhelmed National University, 25-13, 25-18, 25-16, to grab a share of second place in the UAAP women’s volleyball Sunday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Dzi Gervacio nailed four service aces in a 12-point performance and rookie Alyssa Valdez had 11 hits which impressed Gorayeb, who sustained injuries from a controversial brawl on the San Beda campus and had to skip last week’s match where the Lady Eagles absorbed their first loss in four outings against defending champion La Salle.

“[Valdez] stepped up,” said Gorayeb. “We  have a long way to go in the tournament, I know she has more to show.”

University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, rose from a set down to outlast University of the Philippines, 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18, for a 2-2 record.

Maika Ortiz fired 16 hits and Maru Banaticla added 14 points, including four blocks, to go with 12 digs.

“We still need a leader,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon. “We looked disorganized inside the court, so someone has to step up.”

In the men’s division, Far Eastern University survived a five-setter against NU, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 24-26, 15-9, to stay unbeaten in four matches.

JR Labrador posted a tournament-high 30 hits for the Tamaraws, who also pinned a first loss on the Bulldogs after a surprise 3-0 start.

Carlo Rivera and Philip Cerveza combined for 31 points in La Salle’s  25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-21 victory over Adamson in the other men’s match.

The Archers improved to 2-2, while the Falcons dropped to 1-3.