DEFENDING champion Ateneo de Manila University provided a glimpse of its firepower by blasting National University (NU), 25-21, 25-18, 25-15, as volleyball action in Season 77 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines kicked off on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Alyssa Valdez displayed her Most Valuable Player form by scoring 28 points on 20 attacks, two blocks and six service aces. Ella de Jesus added 10 of her own, while newcomer Isabelle de Leon had seven in her debut.
The Lady Eagles found their way in killing the rally on the first ball, resulting to 11 service aces during the contest with the lion’s share coming from Valdez.
Jaja Santiago carried the scoring for NU with 16 points. Myla Pablo added 10, while Rizza Mandapat had six.
University of Santo Tomas (UST) also booked a season-opening straight-set victory over host University of the East, 25-11, 25-12, 25-14, with highly touted rookie EJ Laure also showing what she got for the Tigresses, who spoiled the head coaching debut of Francis Vicente for the Lady Warriors.
Team captain Pam Lastimosa turned in 12 points, nine from attacks with two blocks, while Laure and Ria Meneses added eight and seven markers, respectively, for UST. In men’s action, back-to-back defending champion NU and Season 76 runner-up Ateneo won their season openers also on Saturday.
The Bulldogs defeated Adamson University in exactly an hour, 25-23, 25-21, 25-12, behind Rueben Inaudito and Fauzi Ismail. Inaudito contributed 14 markers on nine attacks and five blocks, while Ismail added 13 points on 11 spikes with two digs.
NU’s libero Josephenry Tipay kept their floor clean with eight digs and 12 excellent receptions.
In the other men’s game, Ateneo also needed an hour to frustrate a rebuilding Far Eastern University crew, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20.