Valdez, Ahomiro spark Lady Eagles past Lady Falcons in UAAP volley

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo bucked a third-set surge from Adamson and posted a hardfought 25-21, 25-12, 25-22 victory Saturday in the UAAP season 76 women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

After a quick second set victory where they peppered the Lady Falcons with hits, the Lady Eagles seemed headed for an easy win in a match-up that was expected to wound up neck-and-neck.

But just as Ateneo was trying to break away and leading 14-9, in the third set, Sheila Pineda toiled to bring Adamson back into contention and the Lady Falcons even took a 20-18 lead as they tried to stretch the match.

Amy Ahomiro, though, came to the rescue and evened the match with two straight hits and the Lady Eagles allowed the Lady Falcons to taste the lead one last time before scoring the next five points to seal the win.

Thai head coach Anurson Bundit stressed the importance of defense for Ateneo, which joined three other teams with a 2-1 slate.

Ahomiro provided the spark for Ateneo with 12 points, while star Alyssa Valdez led with 17 despite visibly limping the entire match as she was bothered by her heavily-wrapped right knee.

The Lady Falcons, who were doomed by too many unforced errors in the first set and just lacked fire in the second, reeled to their second setback against a lone win.

Pineda brought Adamson back to life in the third set and finished with 15 points, including three aces. Mayette Zapanta added nine.