ATENEO de Manila University kept University of the East winless despite a rough third set, scoring a 25-16, 25-23, 22-25, 25-19 victory to start the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament second round, Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Vanie Gandler and Lyann de Guzman tried to will the Blue Eagles back from a 19-22 deficit in the third with back-to-back points but KC Cepada and Lia Pelaga came through for the Lady Warriors to stay in the match.
However, UE helped its foes pull away in the fourth set with multiple errors along with Ateneo’s solid blocking for the finisher, 25-19.
“We’re happy nananalo ang importante lang talaga put up the confidence. Nagkakaroon pa rin ng time na nagda-doubt kami about what we want and need to do but what’s important is we win,” said coach Oliver Almadro after the Blue Eagles have won their 21st consecutive match against the Lady Warriors since 2011.
Ateneo collected its first win streak this season as it improved to 3-5, still at sixth, while dropping UE to 0-8.
Faith Nisperos was solid in net defense with five blocks to go with her 13 attacks to end with 18 points for Ateneo.
Taks Fujimoto tossed 14 excellent sets that led to Gandler, De Guzman, Joan Narit, and AC Miner all getting nine points apiece while Geezel Tsunashima contributed eight points off the bench.
Ja Lana and Cepada shared the scoring mantle for the Lady Warriors with 18 points each built on five and three aces, respectively.
The match also marked the first time this season the league utilized the video challenge system.
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) or you can watch your favorite match-ups.
