ATENEO finally got back on the winning track and vented its ire on National University, 26-24, 25-17, 25-19, on Wednesday in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at MOA Arena.
The Lady Eagles showed some grit that was lacking in its past two matches, gaining the provisional solo lead with a 7-2 win-loss card. Second-running La Salle, at 6-2, faces University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
Ateneo still was not able to dictate the pace but Alyssa Valdez seemed back to her usual dominant self, while Jhoana Maraguinot and Kim Gequillana also delivered on offense as the Lady Eagles stopped the bleeding from consecutive losses to La Salle and University of the Philippines.
[See Gritty UP Lady Maroons extend woes of Ateneo Lady Eagles with famous victory]
“We’re just really thankful I think the team really struggled, I mean sa skills, physically, mentally, lahat naman nagsa-struggle so I hope, we hope as a team, this is the start of us playing again as one team, magje-jell kami,” said the 22-year old Valdez.
“We also hope na we learn from all the talo and panalo. We’re just really thankful. We’re back on our midset na one game at a time,” she added.
Valdez scored 20 points on 14 spikes, five service aces and a block, while sophomore spiker Maraguinot contributed 12.
Gequillana, fielded midway through the first set as Ateneo struggled to take control, had nine points, seven digs and five excellent receptions.
“May flow today, wala naman kaming special na ginawa aside from smiling,” said Valdez. “I think that’s the most special thing that we need to do as a team, we have to smile and be consistent. Smiling even if we get so much errors.”
Jaja Santiago scored 12 points for NU, which slipped to sixth spot with their fifth loss in nine outings.
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