UAAP volleyball: Ateneo bolsters Final 4 bid after tripping UE

Ateneo gained further momentum in its quest for a Final Four spot after stopping University of the East, 25-14, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Lady Eagles momentarily took hold of the second seed with a 7-3 record but can share the spot with National U at the end of the day depending on the outcome of the second game.

Ateneo methodically kept the Lady Warriors at bay in the final moments of the game despite Mary Ann Mendrez trying to give UE a semblance of hope with a crosscourt kill that trimmed the lead to six, 23-17.

Jhoanna Maraguinot gave Ateneo the 24-17 match point before Bea De Leon denied Mendrez up top to stamp the Lady Eagles’ fourth straight win.

Captain Maddie Madayag said she’s expecting her team to keep playing in the level they’re in and to strive for that eighth win that will ensure them of at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.

“This is a great achievement, we’re expecting to play our best and our goal is to reach the Final Four and this win really helps our confidence,” said Madayag.

Co-captain Kat Tolentino paced the Ateneo’s potent scoring with a game-high 22 points to lead four Lady Eagles who finished in double figures.

Maraguinot had 16 points while Madayag and Jules Samonte added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Eagles.

Shaya Adorador led UE with 21 points while Mendrez added 10.

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