Ateneo de Manila University’s women’s volleyball team made sure to avenge their men’s basketball counterparts. They made swift work of University of the Philippines with a 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 sweep in UAAP Season 84, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Less than 24 hours after the Blue Eagles absorbed a 72-69 overtime loss to the Fighting Maroons in men’s basketball, the women’s team of Ateneo needed just an hour and 28 minutes to dispatch their counterparts in UP.
And head coach Oliver Almadro said the game last night motivated them.
“Siyempre after the game last night [basketball], we have a game against UP kaagad so gusto naming makabawi, gusto ng Ateneo makabawi kaagad,” said Almadro.
Faith Nisperos dropped 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks along with seven excellent receptions while Vanie Gandler added 12 points, all of which came from attacks, laced with four excellent digs to help Ateneo move up to 2-3 in the standings.
Ahead by six, Faith Nisperos converted an off-the-block hit to put the Blue Eagles at match point, 24-18. Jhewel Encarnacion scored over at the other end before Lainne Arce committed the Fighting Maroons’ 13th service error which sealed the win for Ateneo.
“I’m happy with how my players played today, nakasunod sila sa instructions, strategies, at game plan namin for today and malaking bagay yun kapag yung players is slowly getting there,” said Almadro.
“We might have a slow start but I hope we gained momentum in this game going to our next game so malaking bagay sa amin and I’m so happy sa intensity na pinakita ng players ko and with their confidence today,” he added.
Ateneo figured in a tight encounter with UP in the opening set but managed to seal the 1-0 advantage before pulling away late in the second set to send the Fighting Maroons to the brink.
Encarnacion led UP with 13 points and five excellent receptions while Alyssa Bertolano had 12 points. No other player from the Fighting Maroons, who slid to 3-2 after winning its first three games, scored in double digits
Ateneo looks to make it three consecutive wins against University of the East on Tuesday at 12:00 PM while UP will try to stop its skid against De La Salle University earlier in the day at 10:00 AM.
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