With hearts all out, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles cemented their spot in the Final Four at the expense of the gritty the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses in a tight five setter, 25-22, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-9, Wednesday afternoon in front of a jampacked Filoil Flying V Centre.
The long-enduring match displayed the Lady Eagles’ championship composure and control.
“Sometimes we have these five-set games and it shows our character and heart strong. These past two games against UST and Adamson, it was all heart,” said Kat Tolentino, who poured a team-high 21 points.
The Lady Eagles overcame the Golden Tigresses’ early first set lead and drew first blood, 25-22.
In the next two sets, Ateneo’s errors piled up. They had a hard time crossing their serves and attacks, while UST’s threats in Milena Alessandrini, Sisi Rondina, and Tin Francisco were on full display.
By the fourth set, the upset-seeking Tigresses were on track to close the match early, but after the first technical timeout at 8-5, a series of attack errors from the UST side allowed the Lady Eagles to catch up. From then on, both teams engaged in a seesaw battle, but the ever-consistent Tolentino took charge and sealed the frame, 25-17, forcing a deciding set.
In the fifth frame, with the Lady Eagles’ momentum, they were able to invest a commanding 12-4 lead. However, Caitlyn Viray kept UST’s hopes alive, they were able to inch within three points, 12-9. Coach Tai Bundit called a timeout to stop the bleeding and true enough, after that, the Lady Eagles clinched the last three points, with Tolentino grabbing the match point with an ace.
“We really trusted our training and our teammates, and seeing it show on the court is such a blessing. We’re super happy and excited to have this opportunity again,” Tolentino shared.
Aside from making Ateneo’s final four spot official, this win propelled Ateneo to a stellar 9-3 record and kept their second round campaign unblemished.
“Speechless siguro [na nasa final four na kami.] We’re really happy na our hard work paid off. Everyone knows na we trained noong holy week so it’s really fulfilling na nag-pay off ang hard work namin and sacrifice namin,” shared team captain Maddie Madayag.
Sisi Rondina carried the Golden Tigresses with 21 points.
Ateneo’s next assignment will be on Saturday, April 7, against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons. UST now sport a dismal 4-8 record. They will face the defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers next on Wednesday, April 8.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Tolentino 21, Maraguinot 19, Madayag 11, Samonte 7, De Leon 7, Wong 4, Lo L, Gaston L
UST (2) – Rondina 21, Alessandrini 10, Francisco 10, Sandoval 9, Bicar 6, Viray 5, Palec 5, Pacres 1, Rivera L, Pollentes L, Dizon 0, Teope 0
