Ateneo escapes Adamson in five-set thriller, keeps perfect record

January 28, 2015 Philippine Sports News UAAP 77 Women's Volleyball • UAAP Season 77 • Volleyball

With their unblemished record at stake, the Ateneo Lady Eagles bruised their way to a hard-earned five-set victory over the pesky Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 22-25, 15-10, at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday evening.

Ateneo topgun Alyssa Valdez was all over the court as she cashed in a game-high 30 points and 14 digs while Ella De Jesus and Amy Ahomiro scored a combined 24 points and 4 blocks. In addition, Bea De Leon had 9 points.

On the other hand, Jessica Galanza led Adamson with 17 points and 9 digs while Amanda Villanueva added 16 points and 2 blocks. In addition, Mylene Paat had 15 points and a game-high 4 blocks.

“They always give us a good fight since nagstart ako maglaro ng collegiate volleyball. Yung defense ng Adamson is superb talaga at pinakita nila today as in parang no doubt na Adamson is still the team na sobrang galing talaga,” said Valdez.

Ateneo escapes Adamson in five-set thriller, keeps perfect record 1

All-game long, both teams relied on the breaks of the game to escape with wins in each set. Neither team was able to capitalize on each other but Ateneo finally broke the dry spell come the pivotal fifth set.

With the score knotted at 8 apiece, Ateneo finally got its offense going as Valdez and De Jesus showered a series of attacks on the exhausted Adamson frontline. End-game errors would also aide Ateneo in the waning moments of the final set to secure the win.

“Siyempre may mga games din naman na off talaga kami. Ang dami naming errors at totally wala kaming communication today. Adamson was just enjoying the game, parang they went here to play against us. They really did well,” added Valdez.

With this win, Ateneo remains locked in at the top spot in the standings with a 9-0 record. Ateneo is also undefeated in five-setter games this season after beating the likes of La Salle, UP and most recently, Adamson.

Up next for the defending champions will be the UP Lady Maroons this January 31 at the Filoil Flying V Arena while Adamson takes on the winless UE Lady Red Warriors this February 1 at the Filoil Flying V Arena

The scores:

ADMU (3) – Valdez 30, De Jesus 12, Ahomiro 12, De Leon 9, Maraguinot 9, Morado 5, Gequillana 1, Lazaro (L) 0.

ADU (2) – Galanza 17, Villanueva 16, Paat 15, Alkuino7, Guevara 3, Emnas 2, Dacoron 2, Roque 0, Cortel 0, Lebumfacil 0, Tempiatura (L) 0.

Watch the full game here.