Lady Eagles give UP side spanking on Valentine’s Day
MANILA, Philippines – High-flying Ateneo broke the hearts of University of the Philippines in a Valentine’s Day showdown between the Katipunan neighbors, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21, to stay spotless in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tourney at the Filoil Arena in San Juan.
Alyssa Valdez and Bea de Leon punched in 12 points apiece while Madeleine Madayag added 10 as the Lady Eagles disposed of the Lady Maroons in one hour, 11 minutes and cemented its hold of the solo lead with a 4-0 card.
Resurgent National U, meanwhile, stormed to its third straight win at the expense of hapless University of the East 25-12, 25-13, 25-16, to gain a share of second with idle La Salle at 3-1.
In men’s play, streaking Adamson and holder Ateneo turned back separate foes to remain in joint first at 3-1.
Sustaining the momentum from their huge five-set upset of the Blue Eagles last Wednesday, the Falcons nipped Far Eastern, 30-28, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19. The Eagles, for their part, leaned on the 35-point explosion of MVP Marck Espejo to regain their winning ways via a come-from-behind 25-20, 23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-10 squeaker over rival La Salle.
The Lady Eagles are now unbeaten in 22 games dating back to the Season 76 finals.
Although it was a three-setter, stats showed how rookie-laden UP put up a fight.
The Lady Eagles won 42 points on spike but the Lady Warriors had 39 in that department. UP had one more rejection than Ateneo at five blocks, with Diana Carlos on anchor with three. UP, though, committed 23 errors that helped its fall.
“This year we really have to adjust on defense with the departure of key players last year. We’re not very consistent but it (defense) is getting better,” said Jia Morado, who had 16 excellent sets.
“UP’s youngsters are so brave, they really keep on fighting,” said Valdez.
Carlos notched a game-high 16 for UP, which absorbed its second straight setback after hurdling its opening-day assignment.
Jaja Santiago (11) and Myla Pablo (nine) led the way in scoring for NU.
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