Rookie gives Eagles a lift in sparkling UAAP debut

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo’s fancied rookie Alyssa Valdez showed much promise in a debut cut short by cramps, leading the Lady Eagles to a 25-16, 25-23, 25-18 dismantling of last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas in the 74th UAAP women’s volleyball tourney at the Arena yesterday.

Valdez, a former Junior Tigresses standout, punched in 13 hits before camping out of the match early in the third set as Ateneo took the early lead alongside National U.

The Lady Bulldogs, behind Cai Nepomuceno’s 21 points, including three blocks, scuttled University of the Philippines, 25-6, 25-15, 25-18, in the first game.

AdMu skipper Fille Cainglet chipped in 12 hits and veteran Dzi Gervacio added 11 points, topped off by four blocks, as the Lady Eagles got off to a blazing start.

“There were still lapses and I would say they’re about 80-90 percent so far but overall, they were able to meet our expectations,” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb.

Maru Banaticla knocked in 12 points as Maika Ortiz piled up 10 hits for a UST side having difficulty adjusting without ace Aiza Maizo, who already used up her playing years.

NU also drew 12 points from Ria Sante, five off the serve, and newbie Myla Pablo who had 11 hits.

“I didn’t really expect us to get this hot a start. I hope we sustain such a high intensity of play, less errors, good receiving and consistent on blocking,” said NU mentor Francis Vicente.

In men’s play, last year’s runner-up far Eastern leaned on JR Labrador (21 points, 16 from spikes) and Arvin Avila (11 hits) in subduing La Salle, 25-16, 17-25, 25-23, 25-16.

The NU Bulldogs were likewise victorious, outlasting Adamson in five sets, 25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 18-25, 15-8.