Ateneo trounces Adamson in Shakey's V-League Season 11 opener
LADY EAGLES CONTINUE TO SOAR. The Ateneo women's volleyball team continued their winning ways, defeating Adamson on the opening day of the Shakey's V-League season. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from winning their first UAAP women's volleyball crown last week, the Ateneo Lady Eagles dealt Adamson University an opening day loss in the Shakey's V-League Season 11 First Conference on Sunday, March 23 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles played catch-up while shrugging off rust in the early goings of each set before getting things done in the end to deny Adamson University in four sets, 25-19, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24 sans head coach Anusorn 'Tai' Bundit. Assistant coach Parley Tupaz manned the helm for Ateneo in his absence.
Amy Ahomiro played an all-around game with 16 points, including 7 service aces and 4 blocks while UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez chipped in 23.
With Ateneo down 10-15 in the pivotal third set, Amy Ahomiro fired four straight service aces that proved to be the turning point as the Lady Falcons crumbled down towards the end.
Ateneo, last year's V-League runner-up, uncorked an 11-2 blast behind Michelle Morente and Alyssa Valdez to take a 22-19 lead before Ahomiro's quick hit ended it, 25-23.
Both squads exchanged in a tight battle in the fourth set. Adamson raced towards an 18-14 edge, only to waste it once more.
A through-the-block spike by Valdez gave Ateneo the upperhand at 20-19, while wide hits by Shiela Pineda and guest player Patcharee Sangmuang after made it 22-19.
Pineda then took charge late, with back to back spikes giving the lead back to Adamson, 23-22. However that proved to be the last taste of the lead as four Eagles took over.
A Valdez connection and an Aerial Patnongon block on Pineda made it 24-23, before Michelle Morente and Ella De Jesus finished it with an attack apiece, 26-24.
Guest player Pau Soriano paced the Lady Falcons with 19.
Shakey's V-League boasts their biggest tournament yet, featuring 12 teams from all over the archipelago. Teams are allowed to bring two guest players along with their regular lineups.
In Group A are Ateneo, Adamson, St. Louis, Southwestern U, Arellano University, and the College of St. Benilde while battling in Group B are reigning champs National University, NCAA three-peat champs University of Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, FEU, UST and the Davao Lady Agilas.
Scores
Ateneo - Valdez 23, Ahomiro 16, Morente 14, De Jesus 6, Patnongon 4, Sato 3, Morado 3.
Adamson - Soriano 19, Sangmuang 17, Pineda 16, Paat 7, Cortel 3, Macatuno 1.
Set scores: 25-19, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24.
- Rappler.com
