DAHLKE PROPELS POWER HITTERS
LADY EAGLES EYE 5TH STRAIGHT WIN IN U.A.A.P. VOLLEY
ATENEO tries to extend its early dominance when it clashes with Adamson University in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Lady Eagles battle the Lady Falcons at 2 p.m., while the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons take on the National University Bulldogs at 4 p.m.
Ateneo was relentless after a season-opening loss to bitter rival and defending champion De La Salle when it bagged its fourth straight win, 2521, 25-15, 28-26, over UP on Sunday.
The victory gifted the Katipunan-based squad the solo leadership over De La Salle, University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University (FEU), which are tied for second place on 4-2 records. Still, Lady Eagles Head Coach Oliver Almadro reminded his players to stay sharp entering the closing stretch of the first round.
“Every game is a learning experience for us. I guess we still have something to show. We will be better than our best,” Almadro said.
“That’s what we always remind ourselves.” Cocaptain Maddie Madayag heads the cast for Ateneo, along with Kat Tolentino, Deanna Wong, Ponggay Gaston and Jules Samonte.
Adamson University (1-4), on the other hand, tries to get back on track after a heartbreaking 18-25, 25-17, 14-25, 25-22, 8-15 loss to FEU, also on Sunday.
In the main game, the Lady Fighting Maroons (3-2) try to join a three-team logjam when they meet the struggling Lady Bulldogs (1-4).
Ramon Rafael Bonilla
KENDRA DAHLKE unleashed her power and towed PLDT Home Fibr to a thrilling 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 13-25, 15-12 victory over Generika-Ayala in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The hard-hitting Dahlke, a former Arizona State star, provided the offensive muscle down the stretch as the Power Hitters opened the second round on a sizzling note.
Dahlke delivered 27 kills, two blocks and an ace to finish with a conference-best 30 points on top of 16 digs for the Power Hitters, who returned to winning column after finishing the first round with three wins in seven games.
PLDT Head Coach Roger Gorayeb couldn’t help but praise the impressive performance of his ward, especially in the heart-stopping third set where they gamely matched the firepower and defensive intensity of the Lifesavers.
After carrying the cudgels in the third set where the Power Hitters clawed back from a 17-23 deficit for a 27-26 edge, Dahlke poured six points in the deciding fifth set to essay the victory. “Kendra was tremendous, especially in the third set. Her offense was truly a big help for us,” said Gorayeb after plucking their fourth win. “It’s what we need from her. ‘Good thing she played well today. I think this is her best game so far.”
PLDT’s other import, Grace Lazard, also sparkled with 18 points with 10 excellent receptions, while Aiko Urdas and Shola Alvarez chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Setter Jasmine Nabor dished out 28 excellent sets while libero Lizlee Pantone protected the floor with 27 digs and 16 excellent receptions.
Thai import Kanjana Kuthaisong had 27 points, including 16 excellent receptions, and Fiola Ceballos and Kseniya Kocyigit added 18 and 17 points, respectively, for the Lifesavers, who absorbed their seventh loss in eight matches.
Bia General was also impressive with 43 digs and 15 excellent receptions for the losers.