30 March 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles defeated anew the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-23, to harden hold of the first spot in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was a tight opening frame with both teams just exchanging points and racing to notch the set. As Ateneo took the late 23-22 lead, an attack error from Justine Dorog put the Lady Eagles at set point.Tots Carlos saved one point, but another unforced error from UP cost them the set.
But as the Lady Maroons were trying to overcome the 4-0 start of Ateneo, ace spiker Isa Molde hurt her knee and ankle after a bad landing. UP obviously lost focus and momentum after the sudden accident as Ateneo pulled away for a 2-0 advantage.
However, despite being undermanned, UP showed signs of life in the third set asthey challenged the Lady Eagles once againin a neck-and-neck battle. The Lady Maroons even got the lead, 14-13, but Ateneoresponded right away and took the advantage heading to the second technical timeout, 15-16.
Scores and leads went back-and-forth in the latter part of the set, until Maddie Madayag and Jules Samonte’s attacks sealed the eighth straight win of the Lady Eagles – good for the first spot in the standings.
Kat Tolentino led all scorers with 15 points, while Maddie Madayag and Bea de Leon chipped in 10 and 9 points, respectively.
Team captain Tots Carlos carried UP with 8 markers as they fell to fifth place with 6-4 win-loss record.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @sardynas
