ATENEO TURNS BACK UP IN UAAP WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles overcame a two-set deficit to defeat the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 22-25, 20-25, 2522, 25-17, 15-9, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, February 28.
Lyann de Guzman notched a career-high of 24 points, showcasing 19 successful attacks, four blocks and a service ace, while also contributing 18 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs for the Blue Eagles.
Sobe Buena also made her presence felt with 18 markers, while Alexa Miner contributed 11 markers on eight attacks, two blocks and a service ace for the Blue Eagles, which improved to a 1-2 win-loss slate.
After losing the first two sets, the Blue Eagles pulled off a tight 25-22 victory in the third set to stay alive before pulling off a massive 25-17 fourth set triumph, sending the match to a fifth set.
The Blue Eagles went on with the momentum in the fifth set with a 6-4 lead before pulling off for a 10-4 edge.
The Fighting Maroons cut it to 9-14, but a booming hit by De Guzman wrapped up the win for Ateneo.
“It’s most important that our team kept playing and never stopped after we lost two sets. The players continued to play with a strong mind and never gave it up,” Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso said.
Stephanie Bustrillo finished with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block and a service ace, while Negrense Joan Marie Monares added 10 markers as the Fighting Maroons remained winless in three matches.
Meanwhile, the National University Lady Bulldogs moved to a share of the second spot with a 2-1 winloss record after a 25-17, 25-20, 25-20 sweep of the Adamson University Lady Falcons (1-2).
Alyssa Solomon and Mhicaela Belen took turns hammering the Lady Falcons, ending up with 17 and 15 points, respectively, to lead the Lady Bulldogs, which are on a two-game winning streak.
“Nakakabawi-bawi na kahit papaano now that we won in three sets, first time dito sa first round,” Lady Bulldogs head coach Norman Miguel said.
“Hopefully, magtuloytuloy pa ‘yung magandang kondisyon ng katawan ng mga players namin pati ‘yung mindset,” he added./ASC,