THE Shakey’s V-League ended on a high note for the Lady Spikers, as they garnered a 3rd place finish by sweeping the Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates in a best of three series at the FilOil San Juan arena, last May 21 and May 25.
Game 1
In the first set, guest players Dahlia Cruz and Pornthip Santrong started strongly for the Lady Pirates, making timely kills and splitting Ateneo’s vulnerable defense en route to a 25-19 beating.
The second set however showed a completely different story as good defense and minimal errors gave Ateneo 17-9 lead.
Shots from Aillysse Nacachi, who started in place of the injured Charo Soriano, and kills from guest player Sontaya Keawbundit prevented Lyceum from making serious runs.
With significant contributions from Sontaya and Gretchen Ho the set finished 25-15.
The Lady Pirates showed resilience in the third set, as they tried to neutralize a series of attacks from Sontaya and the Lady Spikers. Seven deadlocks highlighted the set, until a series of errors marred the Lady Pirates. Ateneo went on to win the third set at 25-21.
As the fourth set swung, Ateneo were determined to finish the game off. The crowd was cheering for Sontaya as her a kill gave the Lady Spikers an early 3-0 lead.
Lyceum however countered through Lady Pirates team captain Nica Guliman and guest player Pornthip, as their kills split Ateneo’s tired defense. Suddenly, Ateneo found themselves playing catch-up to the tall trio of Cruz, Pornthip, and Guliman eventually losing the set, 25-20.
The deciding set was electric. Both teams were determined to win, as a series of deadlocks could not determine where the momentum was swinging.
This was until Ateneo broke off with a 5-2 spurt that gave them the lead for good. A series of kills from Sontaya won the set, 15-10.
Ateneo took the series lead, 1-0.
Game 2
Ateneo looked to finish the first set early, as they cruised to a 6-1 lead with quick plays from Angeline Gervacio and Gretchen Ho.
But as the Lady Pirates made necessary adjustments, they went neck-to –neck, exchanging kills and shots. Both teams however, also committed errors until Ateneo team captain Kara Acevedo’s dig made it 25-23.
The Lady Pirates played with more fire in the second set, matching Ateneo’s every point early on. After the 5th deadlock tied at 8-8, Lyceum capitalized on Ateneo’s errors and open defense, taking the lead, 18-14.
After Lady Spiker Coach Roger Gorayeb’s time-out, momentum swung to Ateneo’s side of the court. Lyceum made errors that allowed Sontaya and the blue squad make a crucial run. Ho, Sontaya, and setter Jamenea Ferrer made a series of plays that ended the set at 25-23.
The third and last set showcased Ateneo’s defensive intensity, as defensive plays from Ho, Gervacio, and Aillysse Nacachi nullified kills from Lyceum’s taller line-up. Ateneo drew energy from everywhere, as all six players on the floor scored.
As Sontaya was having difficulty defending in the middle due to her size and mobility, Coach Gorayeb made a tactical change shifting Sontaya from the center to the flanks.
The defensive adjustment proved to be effective as the Lady Spikers went on to a 20-12 run.
Rookies Natasha Faustino and Monica Bagatsing got some steady burn after Ateneo enjoyed a comfortable lead. Ateneo finished with a kill from Ho, 25-17.
At the end of the game, Ateneo Sports director, Ricky Palou, awarded the Lady Spikers with their well deserved medals.
