Ateneo de Manila University flexed its muscle, waylaying National University in straight sets, 25-21, 25-18, 25-15, to open their title defense campaign in the season opener of the 77th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Alyssa Valdez displayed her Most Valuable Player-like form, scorching the Lady Bulldogs with 28 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and six service aces. Ella de Jesus added 10 of her own, while newcomer Isabelle de Leon had seven in her debut.

The Lady Eagles found their way in killing the rally on the first ball, amounting for 11 service aces during the contest with the lion’s share from Valdez herself.

Jaja Santiago carried the scoring cudgels, finishing with 16 points. Myla Pablo added 10, with Rizza Mandapat with six for NU.

Also, University of Santo Tomas coasted their way to a season-opening straight-setter over season host University of the East.

The Tigresses, claiming a 25-11, 25-12, 25-14 result in one hour and eight minutes, served as the debut for highly-touted rookie EJ Laure and spoiled the head coaching debut of UE’s Francis Vicente.

Team captain Pam Lastimosa turned in 12 points, nine from attacks with two blocks, while Laure and Ria Meneses added eight and seven markers, respectively.

In the first two sets, opening day jitters got the best of the Lady Warriors, allowing the more composed Tigresses to pounce and go on a scoring tear to limit their Recto-based foes to single digit heading into their final five points.

However, the Lady Warriors made things interesting midway through the third set, keeping in check within four points, 10-14, as UST mentor Odjie Mamion gave his second and third stringers the valuable experience on the floor.

But the reserves — led by Laure’s fellow rookies Cherry Rondina and Mary Pacres — responded to the challenge, pulling off the finishing kick and further highlighted the Lady Warriors’ frustrating afternoon.

NU, Ateneo start on top again in men’s ranks

Meanwhile, back-to back defending champion NU and Season 76 runner-up Ateneo share the early lead following the men’s division matches earlier on Saturday.

In the opener, the Bulldogs spikers easily took care of Adamson University in exactly one hour, 25-23, 25-21, 25-12, behind the duo of Rueben Inaudito and Fauzi Ismail.

Inaudito contributed 14 markers on nine attacks and five blocks, while Ismail added 13 points on 11 spikes with two digs.

NU Libero Josephenry Tipay kept their floor clean with eight digs and 12 excellent receptions during the match.

In the second game, Ateneo also needed an hour to make quick work of the rebuilding Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-14, 25-19, 25-20.

Last season’s rookie-most valuable player Marck Espejo spiked his way to lead the Blue Eagles with 15 points on 13 attacks with 10 receptions. Rex Intal added 12 points, while Joshua Villanueva contributed 10 for Oliver Almadro’s wards.

Jeric Gacutan finished with five points, while Joshua Barrica and Greg Dolor each added four for the FEU squad, now mentored by Kid Santos.