Lady Eagles lash Warriors, share lead

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo pounded University of the East, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, to pick up its third straight victory and force a three-way tie at the top in the UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball yesterday.

The Lady Eagles joined archrival and sole conqueror La Salle and University of the Philippines at the summit with their identical 3-1 marks.

“I would like to thank my players because they accepted my challenge that we have to win convincingly today. They really worked hard,” said ADMU coach Oliver Almadro.

Kat Tolentino paced the Lady Eagles with six attacks, three blocks and two aces for 13 points, Maddie Madayag had three blocks in her 11-point output while Bea de Leon and Jules Samonte each had eight points for the Lady Eagles.

“We noticed in the past games that we have been starting slow. We took it into consideration and made it our mindset that we will start with high intensity in this game,” said skipper De Leon.

Judith Abil led with 14 points and 18 excellent receptions while Mean Mendrez, who is nursing a rotator cuff tendonitis on her right shoulder, came off the bench in the first set and finished with nine points and four digs for the Lady Warriors.

UE failed to follow up on its victory over Adamson the last time out as it fell to 1-3 but stayed at the seventh spot.

Adamson stayed focused despite a sudden coaching shakeup early in the season, taking down its first victim in National University, 25-15, 25-19, 25-22, to check a 0-3 start.

Former deputy Rogelio Getigan took over the coaching reins from Air Padda, joining the team as head coach only last Saturday but still chalked up his first win for the Lady Falcons.

AdU rose above the off-court drama, with veterans Bernadette Flora (15 points and eight digs), Eli Soyud (12 points) and Joy Dacoron (10) leading its charge.

“I wasn’t really prepared for this match. I was in the NCR volleyball meet last Friday when I knew of my appointment,” said Getigan.

Getigan said that he has yet to conduct a practice with the team, which he met only last Saturday.

He is yet to see or talk to Padda, who was relegated to conditioning coach, but she is expected to attend the team’s practice on Tuesday.