ATENEO de Manila University bounced back from a tough defeat to Adamson University the last time out by sweeping University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22, to return to the win column of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
This was a crucial win for the Blue Eagles as they rose to a 4-6 record — going up to solo sixth and just a game behind fifth-running Far Eastern University.
“We need this win of course if we want to go further. We have to be focused and be committed in every match. Yun lang naman ang mindset namin going into this game,” said Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro.
With their seventh straight defeat, the Fighting Maroons (1-9), on the other hand, fell out of Final Four contention for a fifth year in a row.
Vanie Gandler, Lyann De Guzman, and Faith Nisperos connected for seven unanswered points to pull away from an 18-17 count.
However, Ateneo almost shot itself on the foot when it was already in match point, 24-17, by committing three errors while Mai Sotomil and Alyssa Bertolano scored on an ace and a block, respectively, 22-24.
But Sotomil’s service in the ensuing play went straight to the net to give the Blue Eagles the victory.
Nisperos was a cut above the rest with 17 kills and seven digs while Gandler and De Guzman chimed in nine and eight points, respectively.
Roma Mae Doromal was also effective with 18 excellent receptions and 18 digs.
Bertolano paced the Fighting Maroons with nine points while Nica Celis added eight points.
Up next for Ateneo will be University of Santo Tomas on Saturday – opening a difficult two-week stretch that will make or break its Final Four streak. The Blue Eagles last missed the Final Four in 2008-09.
UP will meet De La Salle University on Sunday.
Both games will be played at Philsports Arena.
Watch the UAAP Season 85 Collegiate Volleyball Tournament on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 HD). Available on Prepaid Loads 300 & up (valid for 30 days).
You can also catch the games live on the SMART Livestream App. Download it here.
