MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Alyssa Valdez posted 13 points and the Ateneo Lady Eagles swept the UP Lady Maroons, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21, in the women's volleyball tournament of UAAP Season 78 on Sunday, February 14 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in Sa Juan.
The defending champions hiked their record to 4-0, but there is still much more room for improvement.
"We still need to improve on our blockings and receiving. The tournament is still long," the graduating Valdez pointed out.
Bea De Leon also had 13 points off of 9 kills and 3 blocks, while Maddie Madayag and Amy Ahomiro had 10 and 8 markers, respectively.
The straight-set win was not indicative of how far a rookie-laden UP pushed Ateneo.
The Lady Maroons managed to keep within 4 point-margins of the Lady Eagles throughout the match. They forced, held on and won long rallies, and also defended well against the Lady Eagles' vaunted offensive weapons.
But 23 errors plagued UP as they shot themselves in the foot and fell to 1-2.
"That young UP team is brave," Valdez praised the Lady Maroons in Filipino.
Rookie hitter Diana Carlos had a stellar performance for UP with a game-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and 3 rejections. Isa Molde had 9 points and Nicole Tiamzon added 7. – with reports from Danielle Nakpil/Rappler.com