Lady Eagles obtain first win by dominating endgame against UST

Maddie Madayag redeemed herself from the last game with 15 points built on nine spikes and six blocks. (File Photo: Jim de Ramos/Facebook)

For their second game of the 81st season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles conquered the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses in a four-set game last Wednesday, February 20 at the Flying V Filoil Arena in San Juan.

The set scores ended 25-21, 25-18, 16-25, and 25-22, with Kat Tolentino securing the win at the last set with back-to-back hits. She totalled 22 points from 16 kills, four blocks, and two service aces, along with 11 digs. Teammate Maddie Madayag redeemed herself from the last game with 15 points built on nine spikes and six blocks. Deanna Wong was able to pick herself up from last game as well with 17 excellent sets and 11 digs. UST, who unfortunately made a total of 36 errors, still put up a good fight because of Sisi Rondina’s 20 points and 24 digs, while teammates Eya Laure and Milena Alessandrini chipped 12 and 10 points respectively.

This is ADMU head coach Oliver Almadro’s first win in the UAAP for the women’s division, sharing in Filipino after the game, “My players also have great resilience after a loss,” referring to their opening against La Salle last Sunday, explaining “They themselves believed that they will win today.” He added, “Hopefully this is a stepping stone for a bright future. It’s really difficult here in the women’s division.” Coach Oliver concluded, “I just told [the girls] to play with pride and intensity. We’re very happy that we were able to redeem ourselves and we showed somewhat how we play.”

The Lady Tigresses will finally try to obtain a win on Sunday, February 24 against the University of the Philippines, while the Lady Eagles aim to continue their streak against Far Eastern University (FEU) on the same day.