Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Ateneo Lady Eagles hardly needed the help of star Alyssa Valdez in trouncing the Univeristy of Santo Tomas, 25-11, 27-25, 19-25, 25-20 in their Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference opener on Saturday (July 11) at The Arena in San Juan.
In lieu of Valdez, who is taking a well-deserved rest, Jho Maraguinot spearheaded Ateneo’s balanced attack.
Ateneo got off to a scintillating start, making quick work of the Golden Tigresses in the opening set, 25-11.
But the España-based players retaliated, making things rough for the Lady Eagles the rest of the way.
Both teams engaged in a tight tussle in the second set, but Ateneo prevailed in the end, 27-25.
UST saw a ray of light after winning the third frame but would ultimately succumb to Ateneo in the game-sealing set.
Maraguinot had 23 points, while Amy Ahomiro added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
