Ateneo Lady Eagles look to bounce back after debut loss
FOLLOWING their tough fiveset loss in their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 debut over the weekend, the Ateneo Lady Eagles look to regroup and bounce back when they return today and take on the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in women’s volleyball action at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Set for 4 p.m., Ateneo tries to pick up the pieces after bowing to the Far Eastern University ( FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 19- 25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20 and 15-9 last Sunday, against an NU crew that had it auspicious in its own season debut.
Playing in the opener of women’s play at 2 p. m. are the University of the East Lady Warriors and University of Santo Tomas Glowing Tigresses, who are both sporting 0-1 records.
While they got off to a strong start in their tournament opener, the Lady Eagles just could not go on and complete the win as the Lady Tamaraws grew confident and were not to be denied.
Ateneo unravelled in the deciding fifth set as it committed eight unforced errors which greatly took a toll on their thrust en route to the loss.
Jhoanna Maraguinot led the way for the Lady Eagles with 21 points, 19 off spikes, while Kat Tolentino added 14 and Jules Samonte nine.
These, however, proved to be not enough to guide their team to the victory amid the stiff challenge presented by FEU.
In trying to explain what happened to them, the Lady Eagles said that they are still finding their collective groove and making the needed adjustments.
“We are still making adjustments. The players played well but obviously we still need to improve on some aspects which we hope to accomplish as the season progresses,” said Ateneo deputy coach Sherwin Meneses, whose team is now playing without longtime stalwarts Jia Morado and Michelle Morente.
PAD ITS OWN CAMPAIGN
Out to pin down Ateneo some more while padding its own campaign early in the season is NU ( 1- 0), winner in its debut over the Adamson Lady Falcons.
Playing under new coach Babes Castillo, the Lady Bulldogs held sway despite a gallant stand from the Lady Falcons, winning in four sets, 25-15, 25-23, 16-25 and 25-13, on opening day last Saturday.
Jaja Santiago showed the way for NU in the win, top- scoring with 16 points with Aiko Urdas and Audrey Paran adding nine points each, and Risa Sato and Roselyn Doria eight points apiece.
“We’re happy with the win but consistency is still an issue for us,” said Mr. Castillo, who took over from Roger Gorayeb as NU coach in the offseason. —