Ateneo de Manila University rebounded with a vengeance against opening-day tormentor University of the East, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16, to snap its two-game skid in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
It became a Lyann De Guzman and Casiey Dongallo showdown, but what went better for the Blue Eagles was the support system.
De Guzman showed the way for Ateneo with 25 points on 21 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace along with 10 digs and seven receptions.
Meanwhile, Dongallo unloaded 27 points on 23 spikes and four blocks for the Lady Warriors.
“There’s no more chance to be in the top four, but we need to fight for the best position,” said Blue Eagles first-year coach Sergio Veloso.
Geezel Tsunashima provided much-needed assistance for Ateneo with 18 points. Then Sobe Buena and AC Miner also produced 13 and 12 points, respectively.
UE kept it close in the fourth set at the second technical timeout, down by just a point 15-16.
However, Ateneo wanted to end it there and then, with a 9-1 flurry to finish the game in two hours and four minutes.
“Ini-accept namin (na wala nang pag-asa sa Final Four) at sinabi ko sa kanila na i-cherish na lang namin yung moment na magkakasama kami, at ibigay yung best namin para sa Ateneo community,” said Roma Mae Doromal, who dazzled with 23 receptions and 23 digs.
The Blue Eagles improved to 4-8 at fifth, matching their win total last season with two games left in their schedule.
Ateneo will look to further raise its record next Sunday against archrival De La Salle University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Warriors dropped their third straight game to fall to 2-9, still at seventh.
Khy Cepada and Riza Nogales had nine and seven points, respectively, in the loss.
UE will look to bounce back on Wednesday against the Final Four-bound Far Eastern University at the Big Dome.
