After recapturing the lead in the third set, 23-22, the slim margin would serve as Ateneo’s last point in the tightly contested set as a late-game service error became costly. Despite guest player Michelle Laborte’s efforts during the fourth set, the Volleybelles would eventually fall victim to the superior defense of CSB’s frontline.
Fight to the finish
Coming from back-to-back losses to CSB and Far Eastern University, Team Ateneo would then regroup for their final match, facing first-seeded University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses last November 18.
In the hopes of winning their second game, the Lady Eagles would be slightly edged in a 15-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-23, 12-15 loss to the Lady Tigresses, battling it all out through five sets.
Competing with more focused mentality, the team representing the Blue and White would not put their heads down upon trailing two sets to none. The Lady Spikers regained their swagger as they stormed the gates by knocking the next two sets to draw it up for a deciding fifth set showdown.
In the final set, after slightly leading 10-8 due to a much-needed hit from another guest player, Charo Soriano (MBA), Team Ateneo would succumb to five unanswered points from the three-time champions while trailing 13-10.
Ateneo then turned to its veterans to survive in the clutch, but after closing in 12-14, the Tigresses would seal the deal behind a collective offensive output.
Valiant effort
In the end, the team stressed that the preparation process for the upcoming UAAP tournament is what mattered most in their brief tournament run. The Lady Spikers, sporting a new look with five rookies and two guest players, know that every opportunity to develop a certain form of chemistry counts as they brace themselves for the tough test of Season 71.
“The league was a good venue for us to practice for the upcoming UAAP, since all of the teams who joined were strong,” said rookie Gretchen Ho (I BS ME). “It helped us see what we were lacking, as individuals and as a team, so that we could focus on these things and get ready for the UAAP.”
