The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles have successfully punched the last ticket to the semifinals after sweeping San Sebastian College-Recoletos Lady Stags, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-17, in the 13th Shakey’s VLeague Collegiate Conference Saturday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ana Gopico starred for Ateneo with 15 points off 11 attacks. Kim Gequillana supplied 12, while team captain Michelle Morente had 9 markers in the win.
The Lady Eagles feasted on San Sebastian’s weak floor defense through down-the-line hits and quick attacks, helping them establish a 20-12 lead in the first set. The Lady Stags, however, rode Grethchel Soltones’ coattails on offense, and with Ateneo committing unforced errors, they closed by just two, 24-22. But Ateneo had the last laugh as #5 blocked Soltones’ attempt to nail a 1-0 set lead, 25-22.
Though gaining the upper hand early in the next frame, a string of errors slowed down Ateneo, allowing San Sebastian to turn a slim 16-14 deficit to their advantage, 19-18. But that proved to be SSC-R’s last taste of the lead, as Morente, Jia Morado, and Gequilliana scored in bunches to come from behind and send ADMU up by two sets, 25-23.
The third and final set saw Ateneo play seamlessly on both ends of the floor, which saw them go up and post a wide 20-13 lead. The Lady Stags tried to stage a comeback, 22-17, but Gequilliana, Bea De Leon, and Gopico nailed much needed attacks to keep their counterparts at bay, and eventually reign victorious via sweep, 25-17, to propel themselves to the semis round.
“Wala naman kaming iniisip na malaking advantage [versus San Sebastian],” said Morente, when asked what advantage Ateneo had in facing San Sebastian.
“Siguro nag-work lang lahat ng ginagawa namin sa training and nag-gel kami as a unit.”
Ace hitter Gretchel Soltones was the lone bright spot for the Lady Stags, pacing her squad with 17 points, 16 coming off attacks.
The semis picture is now complete. Ateneo will face FEU Lady Tamaraws on Monday, September 5, also at the Philsports Arena. The other bracket, meanwhile, will feature a UP Lady Maroons-NU Lady Bulldogs match-up.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Gopico 15, Gequillana 12, Morente 9, De Leon 7, Gaston 3, Morado 3, Samonte 3, Lavitoria 1, Tan (L)
SSC-R (1) – Soltones 17, Villegas 12, Encarnacion 7, Santos 1, Tangco 1, Dalisay 1, Guillema 1, Sta. Rita 1, Lim 0, Eroa (L).
