Lady Eagles turn back Falcons, secure top post

Ateneo faltered in the second set but regained its groove in the last two, walloping Adamson, 25-8, 22-25, 2516, 25-10, to pick up its fifth straight win for a stronghold of the top spot in the UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball yesterday.

Ponggay Gaston hammered 16 points, Kat Tolentino punched in 15 while Bea de Leon swung 14 as they teamed up in the Lady Eagles’ irresistible show in the last two sets.

ADMU thus hiked its card to 5-1, consolidating its lead over secondrunning La Salle, Far Eastern U and University of Santo Tomas, each with 4-2 cards.

“With only two days off from the UP game last Sunday, we felt we were cramming our preparation against Adamson compared to the one week we had to prepare against UP. Good thing we were able to deliver. There were lapses but coach (Oliver Almadro) told us to take the challenge when Adamson won in the second set,” said Lady Eagles skipper De Leon, who sparked her team’s strong 8-2 start in the third set with a pair of quick kills and a couple of blocks. ADMU fired nine of their 15 aces in the last two sets, with Gaston accounting for four.

The Lady Falcons, troubled by an error-riddled game, blundered twice to push the Lady Eagles to match point, 24-10. Gaston wasted no time in sealing the match on an off-theblock hit.

AdU committed 35 errors as it succumbed to its fifth loss in six games to join University of the East, also at 1-4, at the cellar.

In the second game, rookies Ivy Lacsina and Gelina Luceño held their nerve at endgame, delivering the finishing blows as National University stunned University of the Philippines, 25-17, 14-25, 17-25, 25-23, 17-15, and picked up its second win in six outings.

Mary Jane Igao of Adamson foils an attack by Monique Gaston of Ateneo. JOVEN CAGANDE