Eagles take BV opener

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo made an early statement on its women’s title bid, while defending champion University of Santo Tomas and last year’s runner-up De La Salle stumbled on the opening day of the UAAP Season 78 beach volleyball tournament yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay.

Buoyed up by the pro-Lady Eagles crowd, Alyssa Valdez and Bea Tan survived a tough second set to beat University of the Philippines’ Arielle Estranero and Vina Alinas, 21-9, 21-19, in the only morning session match that went to straight sets.