MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles opened its title retention bid in the UAAP Season 82 women’s volleyball with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 sweep of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Katrina Mae Tolentino tallied 15 points, on 13 attacks and three blocks on Wednesday.
Rookie Faith Nisperos and Julianne Samonte chipped in 10 markers apiece for the defending champions.
The Lady Eagles were impressive right from the start. They established double-digit separation in the first frame for an early buffer.
Riding on the momentum of that strong start, the champions never trailed in the match en route to a sweep.
Ateneo’s only scary moment in the game was when UP rallied to within 21-22 late in the third set. But errors from Lady Maroons’ Eurika Eslapor and Maristela Layug and hits by Tolentino ended the match.
“We’re so grateful. Finally we have an opportunity to play again in the UAAP. Malaking bagay para sa amin to win the first game of the season. But we will not stop here. One game will not determine our character,” Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro said.
Diana Carlos emerged as the lone Fighting Maroon in double digit territory with 11 points.
Maria Lina Molde managed nine markers, while Lorie Lyn Bernardo chipped in five points in a losing cause.
In the men’s match, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons scored a massive upset against Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-21, 25-20, 25-22.
John Lomibao led UP with 11 points, anchoring the Fighting Maroons in the early stretches of the match. Joshua Castillo and captain Mac Millete provided ample support with nine and eight markers, respectively./PN
