Lady Eagles all set to defend crown

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 09:49:35 +0000

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

They lack height but they make up the difference with their heart and passion.

Ateneo Lady Eagles coach Oliver Almadro believes they still have what it takes to defend their UAAP women’s volleyball crown when the Season 82 tournament begins tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Eagles won’t be seeing action until Wednesday against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and Almandro said they are ready for another competitive year where the squad will be parading a mix of veteran and rookie players.

The return of Kat Tolentino, Jamie Lavitoria, and Jhoanna Maraguinot will provide Ateneo’s depth after the exit of Bea de Leon, Maddie Madayag, Kim Gequillana, and Deanna Wong. It is enough as far as Almadro is concerned.

De Leon, Madayag, and Gequillana have graduated while Wong opted to skip her final year to recuperate a recurring injury.

“I’m happy that they came back. If not for them, I’ll be a sophomore-and-rookie-laden team,” said Almadro.

Tolentino, one of the Lady Eagles’ “Triple Towers” along with De Leon and Maddayag, initially decided last November to skip her final year, but had a change of heart to help deliver another trophy to Katipunan.

“They inspire the rookies to give more and give back to Ate
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