UAAP volleyball: Valdez waxes hot as undermanned Ateneo zaps FEU

[jamesbond]

UAAP volleyball: Valdez waxes hot as undermanned Ateneo zaps FEU

By Joaqui Flores
Coming into the game sans Bea De Leon due to a fractured index finger, the Ateneo Lady Eagles showed no signs of slowing down as they dominated the FEU Lady Tamaraws in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, on Wednesday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

As she had done all season long, Alyssa Valdez was all over the place again as she cashed in 23 points and 7 digs while Amy Ahomiro added 13 points and 1 block. In addition, Madeleine Madayag, who started in place of the injured De Leon, cashed in 4 points.

For the Lady Tamaraws, Bernadeth Pons managed to put up 13 points and 6 digs while Jerrili Malabanan had 9 points. In addition, Remy Palma had 6 points and 2 blocks.

“We’re happy with the win. It is really a challenge for us, like last year, na parang seesaw battle ang mga pangyayari kasi ‘yung team inconsistent pa rin ang performance,” said Valdez. “There is a lot to improve pa and there is really a room for improvement.”

FEU started the game on a tear and kept Ateneo at bay as they managed to install a 16-13 lead. Sensing that they can totally control the game if they win the opening set, FEU attempted to go full throttle but the Lady Eagles clawed their way back into the game as they managed to tie the game at 22 apiece.

With the game now up for grabs, Valdez placed the finishing touches against the Lady Tamaraws to run away with the first set.

A similar story once again transpired for FEU in the ensuing set. They led by as much as 8-3 and forced the Lady Eagles to search for answers in penetrating their defense.

The Tamaraws’ big lead proved to be a premature celebration as the Lady Eagles once again mounted furious comeback led by Valdez.

With a 21-20 lead now at their hands, Valdez dropped a series of furious attacks to deny FEU in the second set.

Finally removing the momentum from FEU, Ateneo easily coasted in the final set to remain unbeaten in 11 games.

“Kailangan talaga namin mag-adjust every game kasi  hindi lang naman basta-basta ibibigay sa amin ‘yung  game. We really need to work hard for it,” added Valdez.

Ateneo remained perched atop the standings with a perfect 11-0 record while FEU’s Final Four chances took a dip as their record drops to 4-7.

Up next for the Lady Eagles will be the UST Golden Tigresses this February 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while FEU will square off against the NU Lady Bulldogs this February 14 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. [/colors]

The scores:

ADMU (3) – Valdez 23, Ahomiro 13, De Jesus 10, Madayag 4, Morente 4, Morado 3, Maraguinot 0, Gequillana 0, Lazaro (L) 0.

FEU (0) – Pons 13, Malabanan 9, Palma 6, Basas 5, Casugod 4, Negrito 2, Guino-o 0, Papa 0, Atienza 0, Agno (L) 0.