Lady Eagles wear down Tigresses for semis berth

Ateneo survived University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) tenacity in hammering out a 25-22, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-9 victory yesterday and booking a Final Four berth in UAAP women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Lady Eagles leaned on a strong fifth set with a quick 11-4 lead to advance into the next round for the ninth straight season.

Kat Tolentino pumped in 17 attacks, two blocks and two aces to finish with 21 points as Ateneo clinched its ninth victory against three losses to remain at second place behind early semifinalist La Salle.

Jho Maraguinot also spelled the difference for the Lady Eagles with 19 points, while skipper Maddie Madayag added 11 points.

Sis Rondina scored 21 points in a losing effort for UST, which put its semis bid in peril after dropping to 4-8.

Meanwhile, early semifinalist National University (NU) regained its old form even as Adamson strengthened its Final Four bid after besting separate foes in men’s action.

The Bulldogs bounced back with a 25-12, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20 victory over the University of the Philippines Maroons while the Falcons outplayed the tough La Salle Spikers, 25-22, 16-25, 2515, 29-27.

Still reeling from a stunning 2523, 25-19, 25-16 loss to Adamson last March 25, NU quickly rediscovered its touch by overpowering UP in all departments to gain the solo lead at 10-2.

The Bulldogs smashed 51 kills compared to the Maroons’ 47, posted 14 blocks and fired 10 aces in the one and a half hour match.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin stuck with his first six throughout the match and was not disappointed with five players scoring in twin figures.