The Ateneo Lady Eagles defeated the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-14, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18, for their third straight victory in the UAAP Season 80 women's volleyball tournament Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
The Lady Eagles gained solo second and inched closer to a Final Four slot, after dominating the Lady Warriors in spikes (54-38) and blocks (13-3). Both categories were spearheaded by Kat Tolentino, who unloaded 16 attacks and five attacks en route to 22 points.
It was an all-around effort for Ateneo as three other players scored in double-figures. Jhoana Maraguinot fired 16 points, while Maddie Madayag and Jules Samonte combined for 24 markers.
Their setter and liberos also churned out impressive numbers. Playmaker Deanna Wong tallied 50 excellent sets, Ria Lo contributed 16 digs, and Ponggay Gaston finished with 17 receptions.
After a strong opener, the Katipunan squad crumbled in the second set but they regained control in the next two periods to seal the win.
Shaya Adorador carried bulk of UE's load with 21 points as Mean Mendrez got limited to ten markers. Kath Arado continued to put up monster defensive stats of 30 digs and 16 receptions in the loss that pushed them down to 2-8.
In the second game, the Adamson Lady Falcons improved their semifinal chances with a huge win over the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-15, 18-25, 25-13.
With a 5-5 card, the Lady Falcons inched closer to barging into the top four currently occupied by La Salle (8-2), Ateneo (7-3), NU (6-4), and FEU (6-4).
Jema Galanza led the charge with 16 points and 11 receptions. Joy Dacoron had 13 points including four blocks, while Mylene Paat unleashed nine spikes and two aces.
Adamson took advantage of NU's 39 unforced errors, especially in the fourth set when they managed to close out the match in dominant fashion.
Jaja Santiago's 21-point, 11-dig performance went for naught as the Lady Bulldogs suffered their third consecutive setback and remained winless in the second round.