THE defending UAAP champions Ateneo Lady Eagles proved that they were just as good even without top player Alyssa Valdez as they hacked out a 25-11, 27-25, 19-25, 25-20 win over the University of Santo Tomas yesterday to kick off its title drive in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12 Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.
Jhoanna Maraguinot had a game-high 23 hits, including 21 on kills to fill the void left by Valdez, who opted to take a much-needed rest following a hectic summer that included stints in the league’s Open Conference, the Asian Under-23 and the SEA Games in Singapore.
But Maraguinot and seven others, proved up to the task as they survived a strong UST fightback in the second set and a lackluster third, to win in one-hour and 51 minutes.
Amy Ahomiro and Bea de Leon provided added firepower with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Also taking a rest for the star-studded Ateneo lineup was Jia Morado with Gizelle Tan taking over and producing 23 excellent sets.
Skipper Pam Lastimosa had 14 hits and EJ Laure and Carmela Tunay added 13 and 11, respectively, for the Tigresses.