Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo cruised past University of the East in three sets, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, for its third straight win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Eagles are now tied with La Salle and University of the Philippines atop the standings with similar 3-1 records while the Lady Warriors fell to 1-3.
UE was still in the game in the early parts of the third exchanging blows with the Lady Eagles for the 11-11 tie until the Lady Champions decided that they’ve had enough and went on a 12-2 burst to take the 23-13 lead after Mary Ann Mendrez’ attack error.
Kat Tolentino then put the Lady Eagles at the 24-15 match point right before Bea De Leon skied in for the nasty quick kill that ended everything.
“They worked hard for this one and the while week we prepared for this game,” said Ateneo head coach. “They really worked hard, they sacrificed a lot.”
“We will not stop here, we will use this as a stepping stone for us to have a brighter future and for us to have a good outcome in the next games.”
Tolentino eventually finished with 13 points while Maddie Madayag added 11.
Judith Abil put up 14 points for the Lady Warriors.