ATENEO bounced back from its season-opening loss with a 25-21, 25-18, 16-25, 25-22 victory over University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Opposite hitter Kat Tolentino unleashed 22 points on 16 attacks and four blocks, middle blocker Maddie Madayag added 15 points on nine spikes and six blocks, while Deanna Wong was as efficient by making all 17 sets for the Lady Eagles.
Ateneo Head Coach Oliver Almadro said the team showed guts to put aside Sunday’s loss to rival and defending champion De La Salle.
“I saw their resiliency after that loss,” Almadro noted after the 14-25, 17-25, 25-16, 19-25 beating from the Lady Spikers. “They recovered well because they believed they can win today.”
The Lady Eagles barely met any stiff resistance in the first two sets as the Tigresses fell to 36 errors in the game.
Rallying behind rookie sensation Eya Laure and veteran Sisi Rondina, UST unleashed a 7-0 start in the third set. Ateneo rallied to 14-4 but UST held its ground with Minela Alessandrini making two straight aces to win the set for the España-based squad.
The Lady Eagles, however, quickly regained their composure and were all business in the fourth to get the job done.
“I just told them to show pride and show their intensity,” Almadro said.
As a rising leader in the team, Tolentino said the win meant a lot as they move forward in the season.
“I think the game was a good show of our character toward the end. Our team needs to work on that for the upcoming games,” Tolentino said.
Rondina had 20 points on 19 spikes for UST, which fell to 1-1 after a thrilling five-set win over Adamson University on Sunday.
In men’s play, Far Eastern University (FEU) blasted University of the Philippines, 25-13, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18, and UST beat Ateneo, 25-18, 25-21, 22-25, 19-25, 15-12.
FEU and National University (NU), meanwhile, go for all the marbles in the one-game Final in the juniors football championship on Thursday at the Moro Lorenzo Field. The match is set at 3 p.m.
The Baby Tamaraws and Bullpups battled to a scoreless draw in their two elimination-round meetings this season.
FEU-Diliman is seeking to extend its dynastic rule to nine years, while NU is trying to claim a breakthrough Championship right on its second year of participation.
In the men’s division, Ateneo debuts against University of the East at 1 p.m., while UST seeks the solo lead as it tangles with Adamson University at 9 a.m.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza