Ateneo remains unbeaten after sweeping FEU

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Lady Eagles improved their record in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament to 11-0 by defeating the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, on Wednesday afternoon, February 4, at the San Juan Arena.

Reigning league MVP Alyssa Valdez had an impressive output, totalling 23 points in addition to 7 digs. Veteran Amy Ahomiro pitched in as well with 13 points and 1 block, as Ateneo won its first game without rookie Bea De Leon who injured her finger. Her absence is expected to last from 4-6 weeks.

Ateneo was playing catch-up for most of the first set. The team’s biggest issue – their tendency to commit errors – haunted them again early, as the Lady Tamaraws established a lead up to five, 12-17, and was up 18-14 in the later goings.

The Lady Eagles rallied by going on an 8-3 run that put them back up by one, 22-21. After the Lady Tamaraws tied the match at 23 not long after, Valdez put the finishing touches on the set to give her team first blood.

FEU raced off to a quick start again in set two, building an 8-3 lead. ADMU then slowly climbed back in the game, knotting the match at 15-all a little over midway through the set.

After the Lady Eagles went ahead 21-20, Valdez took over once again with consecutive kills. FEU scored only once for the remainder of the period, giving Ateneo a 2-0 sets lead.

The third set followed a similar script to its predecessors, with FEU this time holding a 22-20 lead late. But once again, Valdez took control by scoring 3 of the match’s next 6 points. Unfortunately for the Lady Tams, only one of those came from their side, leading to the loss.

FEU second-year standout Bernadeth Pons led her club with 13 points, but none of her other teammates scored in double-figures. Jerrili Malabanan put up 9.

Ateneo had 47 spike points to FEU’s 31, and had more service aces, 8-4. FEU stayed in the game due to the defending champions’ errors, which reached up to 28.

Ateneo will be back in action to take on the UST Golden Tigresses on Wednesday, February 11. FEU, now 4-7, will go up against the NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, February 14. – Rappler.com