20 February 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles registered their first win of the season after defeating the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses in four sets, 25-21,25-18, 16-25, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
All eyes were on the Lady Eagles after a disappointing season debut against La Salle.
With less pressure, Ateneo mounted a 2-0 advantage in the match, only to falter in the third set as they continued to be haunted by their reception woes with Alina Bicar unleashing consecutive loaded serves for a 7-0 start that eventually resulted to a set loss for Ateneo.
The Lady Eagles regrouped and responded with an equally stronger start in the fourth set. With momentum on their side, Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag led Ateneo to further establish the lead. Sisi Rondina and Eya Laura attempted to inch closer, but an attack error from UST handed the Lady Eagles their first win of the season.
Kat Tolentino led all scorers with 22 points, while last year’s captain Maddie Madayag contributed 15 points – 6 of which came from offensive blocks.
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