BRIEFLY joined at the top of the heap of UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament, the Ateneo Lady Eagles reclaimed solo leadership with a straight-sets win over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-13 and 25-11, yesterday.
Now at 10-2, the Katipunan-based Lady Eagles broke a two-way tie for number one in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standings with the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers while also bouncing back from a tough five-set loss in their previous game with the National University Lady Bulldogs.
Despite playing sans head coach Tai Bundit, who was out for personal reasons, league-leader Ateneo hardly showed any letup in form, stamping its class at the onset.
After a short back and forth to open the first frame, the Lady Eagles left the Lady Falcons in the dust as the set progressed with a balanced thrust that proved too much for their opponents.
In the second set, Ateneo continued to hold court, racing to an early 6-1 lead and never looked back.
Taking cue from the two earlier sets, the Lady Eagles soared fast, scoring the first 16 points until a service error from Kim Gequillana stopped their rampage.
The Lady Falcons tried to rally back after getting a break but 21-10 was the closest they got before the Lady Eagles went for the closeout.
Gequillana led the balanced Ateneo scoring with 11 points, seven off spikes and four service aces. She was also adjudged player of the game.
Michelle Morente had seven points, Jules Samonte had six and Jhoana Maraguinot and Maddie Madayag had five apiece.
Adamson, which remained winless in 12 games with the loss, was paced by Joy Dacoron with eight points.
The Lady Falcons played without top scorer Jema Galanza, who was resting after a recent health scare.
“Good thing we won this game as we are trying to push for the top two. Our reserves got to play as well so they can get confidence which we believe will be key come the big games ahead,” said Ateneo deputy coach Sherwin Meneses following their win.
The Lady Eagles return to the court on Sunday, April 2, against the University of the East Lady Warriors (1-10) while Adamson plays La Salle (9-2) next on Saturday, April 1.