Philippines, represented by Ateneo Lady Eagles, is off to a good start in the 17th Asean University Games as they defeated Malaysia in a 4-setter game (25-21, 25-18, 15-25, 25-8) on Tuesday in Palembang, Indonesia.
UAAP Season 76 Women’s Volleyball MVP Alyssa Valdez led the Philippine team with 20 points and rookie Bea de Leon added 12 in their qualification round matchup. Ella De Jesus and Jhoanna Maraguinot contributed eight and seven points, respectively, for Ateneo.
Setter Jia Morado gave excellent sets to start the offense of the team while also contributing two blocks and two aces.
Bnti Ariffin Nuraini led Malaysia with 16 points off 11 kills, three blocks and two aces while Mei Yan Lee chipped in with 11 points highlighted by six hits and five blocks, but the Malaysians could not overcome the 30 unforced errors they committed.
The Lady Eagles will next face host country Indonesia on Wednesday at 4 p.m. (Manila time).