MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - Defending champions Ateneo De Manila Lady Eagles remain undefeated as they thumped the UST Tigresses, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 78 women's volleyball, February 7, at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Alyssa Valdez unleashed 23 points including 20 kills while Jhoana Maraguinot and Amy Ahomiro chipped in 12 and 8 markers respectively as the Lady Eagles win their 20th straight match dating back to Season 76.
"UST will really fight. They have a big heart and they really gave us a good fight," said Valdez on the Lady Tigresses.
Ateneo started strong with Queen Eagle Valdez opening the game with 3 consecutive kills. An ace from birthday girl Maddie Madayag sealed the first set for Ateneo, 25-22.
UST wouldn't go away so quickly, just as they didn't in their season opening loss to Adamson on February 3. UST won the third set after a Valdez attack error, handing the two-time defending champions their first dropped set of the young season.
"Buti nalang nakikita namin 'yung weaknesses namin this early para magawan ng paraan kung ano pa 'yung kailangan namin gawin as a team," Valdez said of her team's performance.
(It's good that we already see our weaknesses this early so that we will know what to do about it.)
The Lady Eagles, however, regained charge in the fourth set and ran away with their second win in the season. Cherry Rondina showed heart as she led the Tigresses with 21 points. Skipper EJ Laure added 11 markers.
The UST Tigresses now fall to a 0-2 win-loss record. – Rappler.com