Ateneo volleybelles feast on lowly UE for 3rd win in row



By Ricky Manliguis

SAN JUAN-- Ateneo snatched its third consecutive victory by blowing by University of the East, 25-14, 25-21,25-21, in the UAAP LXXIX women's volleyball tournament Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Michelle Morente and the rest of the Katipunan-based ballclub pounced on the Lady Warriors' lack of scoring opportunities and errors to take a hold on solo second spot at 4-1 just behind unbeaten University of the Philippines (4-0). 

The win also served as a welcome for returning coach Tai Bundit, back after missing two games to go back to Thailand on personal matters. 

Morente led the scoring barrage with 13 points on 10 attacks, while Bea De Leon had 11. Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino also contributed, banging in nine and eight markers in that order. 

Ateneo had a 42-19 edge in attacking, while producing 11 service aces in the one hour, 17 minute match. 

UE pulled off a stubborn stand in the second and third sets, even taking a 16-14 edge in the third, on ly to lose steam yet again and fall to its fifth straight loss.  

Team skipper Shaya Adorador and Mary Ann were the only birght spots for coach Francis Vicente, each producing 11 points. 

ADMU will be tested in its last two assignments of the first round, taking on UP first on Sunday, Feb. 26, before its much-anticipated match-up with defending champs La Salle on March 4. 

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