The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles squad kept their Shakey’s V-League season alive, ripping into their opening day tormentors, the Technological Institute of the Philippines Lady Engineers, in their playoff match, 16-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena.
Both teams started off trading decisive set wins. Serving hard and baffling Ateneo’s back line, TIP cruised to a 16-8 lead in the first set and 1-0 set advantage. Ateneo rebounded in the following frame, shoring up their ball control and pounding the Lady Engineers with a quick 16-7 lead, tying the match at a set apiece.
Ateneo’s composure was key in the third set as they pulled away from a slim 12-11 lead to a 16-12 cushion. The Lady Eagles protected their advantage, getting sideouts immediately when TIP served. The Lady Engineers only managed to get as close three, 17-20, before Ateneo took control of the set.
The fourth set became a blowout quickly, as Ateneo’s blocking and attacking overwhelmed the Lady Engineers.
Ateneo team captain Michelle Morente led their attack with 21 points. Bea De Leon added 15, while Ana Gopico pitched in 13.
“It was great for us to get a win over TIP just for our confidence. We worked really hard in training to fix the things we struggled on against them since last we player,” Morente shared after the game.
The biggest difference from their initial match-up was Ateneo’s error tally; they only gave up 20 compared to the 52 they had surrendered on opening day.
Alyssa Layug led the Lady Engineers with 14 points, while guest player Mylene Paat provided 12. TIP started their season with a 2-1 record, but ended up losing their last three matches to bow out of the tournament.
Ateneo move on to the quarters where they carry over a 1-1 record.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Morente 21, De Leon 15, Gopico 13, Gaston 9, Gequillana 4, Morado 4, Samonte 3, Wong 0, Tan (L)
TIP (1) – Layug 14, Paat 12, Espinosa 9, Saet 9, Fidel 8, Maturan 4, Mabayao 1, Openiano (L)
