Ateneo, Adamson face off

By Anthony Divinagracia Posted Dec 14th 2013

Victory no.2 will be on top of the minds of both Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University as they face off today in the 76^th UAAP women's volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

Holding identical 1-1 cards with University of Santo Tomas (UST), the Lady Eagles and the Lady Falcons break the deadlock in their 4 p.m. clash. The winner then moves up in joint second place with idle Far Eastern University (FEU) and National University (NU) at 2-1.

The Lady Eagles are coming off a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 whipping of FEU last Wednesday to grab their first win in as many outings.

Skipper Alyssa Valdez carried the bulk of the fight for the Lady Eagles, exploding for 23 points highlighted by 19 hits and four aces while third year Amy Ahomiro and rookie Ana Gopico added 13 and 12, respectively.

Adamson meanwhile clawed back from a third-set meltdown to dispose of a stubborn University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-18, 15-8.

Graduating hitter Sheila Pineda led five Lady Falcons in double-figures with 21 points. Mayette Zapanta had 17 markers while Faye Guevara chipped in 16 for the Lady Falcons who blasted UP with 81 kills.

But Adamson's 37 errors allowed the Lady Maroons to seize the opening frame and threaten an upset after claiming the third set. Good thing the Lady Falcons' vast experience and composure prevailed in the next two sets.  

The game will air live on Studio 23, BALLS HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay at 10 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34/ Destiny Cable channel 36.