These were the words of Team Captain Bea Pascual (III AB DS) after the Ateneo Lady Spikers’ loss against perennial powerhouse University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses midway through Season 71 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP’s)’ Volleyball Season.
Owning a 3-4 slate, the Lady Spikers are hoping to secure a final four berth in the ensuing second round of the season. Far Eastern University and De La Salle University (DLSU), two of the favorites this season, both lead the pack with identical 6-1 records.
Pascual believes that the team can make it to the final four. “Kaya pa [we can still do it],” she said.
UST 3, ADMU 0
The UST Growling Tigresses made quick work of the Ateneo Lady Spikers, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17, last January 14 at the Arena in San Juan, which was Ateneo’s last game in the first round.
The Lady Spikers fell helpless against UST’s signature spiking early on in the game. Ateneo’s hustle plays and saves, however, kept them going through the first set and prevented UST from a turning the game into a blowout. It, however, was not enough to stop the Tigresses from snatching the first set, as repeated kills turned the favor towards the España-based squad.
Problems with Ateneo’s defense became more visible in the second set. Fille Cainglet (I AB Psy) received several spikes that she was unable to return, which UST capitalized on by repeatedly directing the ball towards her direction. A burst of hope for the Lady Spikers arrived later on in the set, as net violations from UST came in bunches that kept the game close, though Ateneo ultimately yielded the set to the Tigresses.
The third set saw an early UST surge, scoring the first seven points. Bad receptions and forced free balls limited Ateneo to play defensively. On the other hand, Ateneo succeeded in drawing support from Gretchen Ho (I BS ME) to chip in several points. Angeline Gervacio (I AB PoS) and Pascual followed suit with several saves. But later on in the set, Ateneo’s spikes were not able to go over the net, thanks to UST’s blocking prowess. Capitalizing on this ploy, UST patiently waited to reach the game point that came through a blocking error on Ateneo’s part.
DLSU 3, ADMU 0
Experience proved to be a critical factor in the game as the DLSU Lady Archers silenced the Lady Spikers in a 25-15, 25-23, 25-22 victory January 11, their first encounter in the UAAP season.
The rookie-laden Ateneo withered against the devastating spikes hurled by La Salle veterans Stephanie Mercado and Manilla Santos down the middle court. Despite the Lady Spikers’ defensive edge, the height advantage of the Lady Archers overpowered the Ateneo as early as the first set. Playmaker Jamenea Ferrer (I AB Lit Fil), Ho, and Cainglet added a few points for Ateneo but failed to draw support from the rest of the team.
The same story could be told for the next sets, as La Salle quickly made Ateneo pay for its sloppy defense. Gervacio rallied and dragged the match into a stalemate of free balls and hustle plays, but this was not enough to contain the pressure the Lady Archers applied.
In the third set, Ateneo was gaining momentum with their offensive sets when critical service errors and miscommunication downed the Lady Spikers. Blocking and digging spikes, as well as other crucial plays late in the game were missed out. With another chance lost, the Lady Spikers bowed out with another defeat.
ADMU 3, NU 1
In the final game of 2008, the Ateneo Lady Spikers dominated the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 25-11, 25-11, 24-26, 25-16, on December 21, 2008 at The Arena.
Kara Acevedo (II BS Mgt), Averil Paje (III BS MIS), and Ho provided the offensive backing early in the first two sets, as Ateneo won the match in convincing fashion. Miscommunication and bad receptions from NU made Ateneo’s job easier as they gained the upper hand both in attacks and blocks. Ateneo posted a twin 25-11 kill.
Coach Roger Gorayeb, who seemed contented over his team’s commanding lead of the game, seated top hitters Gervacio, Cainglet, and Pascual at the opening of the third set. However, this proved to be a dangerous move as NU took the fight against the Lady Eagles, capitalizing on the latter’s errors. Ateneo did not muster a pull-away play-up and kept itself within striking distance.
An NU spike moved the game 18-17 and shook the blue turf back to its senses. Coach Gorayeb brought back Gervacio, Cainglet, and Pascual in attempt to salvage the set. But it was too late as NU dragged the match into the 25th point, one hustle play over another. Finally, Ateneo reached the breaking point with a Cainglet misfire, 26-24.
Ignoring the setback, the Lady Spikers blazed through the fourth and final set. Ateneo immediately took control of the game and rallied to nail consecutive spikes against NU. Pascual hit the final kill of the game, closing it with a flurry.
ADMU 3, UP 0
The Lady Spikers emerged triumphant in the first meeting between the two Katipunan-based schools, trouncing the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons, 25-23, 25-23, 25-11 as rookie sensation Gervacio incessantly unleashed axed-like kills to demolish the Lady Maroons’ defense.
An opening serve fault by Cainglet initiated a hard-fought opening set with both teams stepping on the gas early on for a ferocious start that instigated a see-saw duel. Acevedo’s back-to-back kills helped the Lady Spikers escape the first set with a win.
Team Captain Pascual’s thunderous kill in the second set gave the Lady Spikers breathing space. Both squads sustained the energy they showcased in the opening set as they put on yet another thriller. However, the Lady Maroons lapsed into an array of errors in the dying moments of the set. These errors proved to be costly enough as Ateneo secured a déjà vu 25-23 getaway with a line violation by UP.
Ho and Gervacio came out with all guns ablaze in the third set to spearhead the Lady Spikers’ relentless attacks that sent the Diliman-based spikers gasping for air. Highlighted by Ho’s drop shots and blocks in the middle of the set, Ateneo went on to complete a sweep with a set score of 25-11.
