MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo sent erstwhile leader National U reeling to its second straight defeat via a 25-22, 25-16, 25-17 decision, consequently joining its victim and idle Far Eastern at second spot yesterday in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tourney at the Filoil Flyng V Center.
The Lady Eagles turned to their effective net defense and excellent service to dominate the Lady Bulldogs in three sets and pick up their sixth win against three losses.
Ateneo claimed 11 points in stopping NU’s hits, with both Bea de Leon (five) and Jules Samonte (four) out-blocking the entire Lady Bulldogs output of three. The Lady Eagles also made a killing on the service line, landing 14 aces against NU’s meager three. On their own, Maddie Madayag (six) and Kat Tolentino (four) did better than the entire NU squad.
Madayag led with 13 while Samonte and Jho Maraguinot added 11 and 10, respectively for Ateneo, which avenged its five-set loss to NU in the first round.
Jaja Santiago tallied 16 for the Lady Bulldogs, who failed to rebound from their 25-27, 25-27, 16-25 setback to La Salle a week ago.
Earlier, Santo Tomas arrested a five-game skid with a 19-25, 30,28,25-20, 25-16 verdict over University of the Philippines, to keep their slim Final Four hopes alive.
Sisi Rondina delivered 24 points and got needed support from Milena Allesandrini, who added 20 and was a stonewall on defense as the Tigresses got back on track and caught their victims at 3-7.
“Iyung willingess namin na manalo andun. Talagang kinausap ko sila na huwag tayong papayag na maibaba tayo nang husto (Our determination to win was key. I told the team we shouldn’t dig a deeper hole for us),” said Rondina, who like her teammates “enjoyed” themselves during the game.
With Alessandrini slowly returning to form after a shoulder injury, the Tigresses put up a solid net defense that led to 12 block points.
Tots Carlos topscored with 24 for UP, which was hurt by 29 errors and fell to its second straight loss.
In the men’s division, FEU Tams spoiled the 39-point performance of Marck Espejo to repeat over three-time defending champion Ateneo, 25-27, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 16-14.
Jude Garcia and Rediljohn Paner punched in 17 apiece as the Tams duplicated their 25-18, 25-19, 25-22 upset in the first round and snapped the Eagles’ eight-game winning streak. FEU improved to 7-2.