ATENEO stretched its win streak to six and sent University of the Philippines to its fourth straight loss, 25-15, 25-14, 25-13, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.
Jhoana Maraguinot led the Lady Eagles with 17 points, while Kat Tolentino added 10 in a match that lasted only 66 minutes.
“Hindi madali ang panalo kasi si coach Tai hindi basta-basta, talagang lumalaban talaga ang UP hanggang huli,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.
Ateneo tightened its grip on the No. 1 spot with a 7-1 win-loss record and is two wins away from clinching the first spot in the semifinals.
“Meron naman baon for Final Four kasi seven wins, nine wins Final Four ka na eh so mas malapit kami ’yung unang makakareach ng nine wins sana, agad-agad,” said Meneses.
Michelle Morente added nine points, 13 digs and six excellent receptions, while Bea de Leon also had nine markers and Jia Morado registered all of Ateneo’s 38 excellent sets.
The Lady Eagles scored on 44 attacks, 20 more than the production of the Lady Maroons, who gave away 21 extra points due to errors.
Isa Molde scored eight points for UP, which continued to struggle after starting the season with four wins.