Ateneo blasts FEU spikers

Games Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 8 a.m. – Adamson vs UST (men’s) 10 a.m. – Ateneo vs UP (men’s) 2 p.m. – UST vs UE (women’s) 4 p.m. – UP vs FEU (women’s)

Ateneo tightened its grip on top spot after blasting Far Eastern University (FEU), 25-21, 25-10, 25-18, Wednesday in the UAAP women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Eagles toppled the Lady Tamaraws in 69 minutes, banking on Ponggay Gaston and Kat Tolentino to score their ninth straight victory in 10 games.

Gaston and Tolentino had 11 points each including combined 18 kills and four blocks as Ateneo limited FEU at the attack zone with the latter’s measly 27 kills.

Deanna Wong also proved instrumental in the Lady Eagles’ offense by finishing with 30 excellent sets.

None from the Lady Tamaraws scored in double figures with Jerrili Malabanan managing only eight points and Heather Guino-o adding seven points. Celine Domingo and Kyle Negrito also struggled.

FEU dropped to 6-4 to create a three-way tie at fourth with University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines (UP).

Earlier, UP fought without top hitter Isa Molde as it survived pesky University of the East (UE), 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-11.

The Lady Maroons dictated the tempo in the deciding frame by cruising to a 8-4 lead and held on to that momentum for good.

Marian Buitre led UP with 19 points on 16 kills and three blocks while veteran Tots Carlos and Maristela Layug had 16 and 15 points, respectively.