V-League: Ateneo opens title defense bid with win over FEU

Ateneo opened its title defense bid in the first conference with a 25-17, 25-18, 19-25, 25-15 triumph over Far Eastern University in the Shakey's V-League Season 9 on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan City.   The Lady Eagles, who lost to La Salle in the 74th UAAP women's volleyball finals, came back strong in the fourth set after losing in the third frame. The Ateneo Lady Spikers showed poise and composure in the fourth frame complete the win. "The experience that they gained in the last UAAP finals helped us win this game," said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb, who decided to concentrate in coaching the Katipunan-based spikers. "They now play differently since they already have championship experience." Gorayeb is a former coach of the San Sebastian women's team but decided to stick with Ateneo, the Season 8 first conference champions, after getting a two-year ban from the NCAA for his involvement in a melee that happened last December. Veteran hitter Fille Cainglet led the Lady Eagles with 18 points, including 16 hits while Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho and returning guest player Kesinee Lithawat of Thailand also had a productive outing for the Lady Eagles. Valdez had 13 hits and a service ace while Ho and Kesinee tallied 13 points each. The Lady Tamaraws of coach Nestor Pamilar, after the first two sets, showered the Lady Eagles with sharp attacks and quick kills to stay alive and force a fourth frame. Rosemary Vargas, who tallied 16 hits and two aces, teamed up with Thai guest player Eve Sanorseang and Wenneth Eulalio in preventing a straight-set win for the Lady Eagles. — JVP, GMA News