ATENEO hardly broke a sweat in beating University of the East (UE), 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, to share the top spot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 81 women’s volleyball action on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kat Tolentino unloaded 13 points on eight kills, three blocks and two aces for De La Salle, which recorded its third straight win and tie University of the Philippines (UP) and De La Salle at the top with a 3-1 win-lost card.
Coach Oliver Almadro heaped praises for his girls who are on a roll after a season-opening loss to the Lady Spikers.
“They accepted my challenge to win convincingly today. They really worked hard for this. They sacrificed a lot,” Almadro said. “We will not stop here so we can have a good outcome in the coming matches.”
Madeleine Madayag added 11 points on eight spikes and three blocks, and Jules Samonte contributed eight points that went with 12 excellent receptions and six digs.
“We really prepared for this game. We’re able to keep the energy going,” Tolentino said. “There’s more to improve on—still a learning process for us.”
There wasn’t much resistance in the first set from the Lady Warriors until the second set when they pulled to within two, 20-22. But Ateneo was quick to react and foiled their foes from Recto.
Judith Abil had 14 points and 18 excellent receptions for UE, which fell to 1-3.
In men’s play, the Blue Eagles also scored an easy 25-22, 25-19, 25-11 win over the Red Warriors. Anthony Koyfman had 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks for Ateneo (2-2). UE absorbed its third loss in four games.
UE made up for its setbacks in volleyball and took the top of the table after a draw with Adamson University 1-1, in men’s football at the Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman field also on Sunday.
The Red Warriors now have seven points.
Defending champion UP, meanwhile, defeated Ateneo, 2-1. With six points, UP is level with idle University of Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle in second place.
Frederico Alegre and Mikio Umilin scored in the first half as De La Salle downed National University, 2-1.
Women’s action in the Circulo Verde pitch on Saturday saw last year’s runner-up UST beating UP, 2-1, behind Shelah Cadag’s goals in the 64th and 81st minutes.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza