MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champions Ateneo and National U got off to winning starts, eking out contrasting wins in the second game day of the 82nd UAAP volleyball tournament yesterday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
The Lady Eagles clipped the Lady Maroons, 25-13, 25-17, 25-23, to begin their back-to-back title bid on a high note while the three-peat seeking Bulldogs thwarted a strong challenge by the Santo Tomas Tigers, 27-25, 23-25, 25-19, 27-25 to usher in their post-Bryan Bagunas era.
Even minus veterans Maddie Madayag and Bea de Leon, the Lady Eagles did not skip a beat, turning to holdover Kat Tolentino (15) and rookie Faith Nisperos (10).
“We’re so grateful as we finally got an opportunity to play again. It’s always a big thing to win your first match but we will not stop here. It’s one game at a time. But we’re just happy to finally play again after a long time,” said coach Oliver Almadro, whose wards leaned on a furious 23-8 first-set barrage to control the match the rest of the way.
Then there’s the Bulldogs who rode high on the exploits of Angelo Almendras (20 points) and Clarence Camposano (19) and the methodical play of national team members Ricky Marcos and Joshua Retamar.