Last November 27, patches of yellow and blue cluttered the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan in support of their respective teams—both touted to be potential Final Four contenders. But it would be the defending champs, the UST Growling Tigresses, that would prevail.
In a bloody five-set thriller that spanned more than two hours, reigning UAAP scoring-leader Aiza Maizo led UST to a victory over the Ateneo Lady Spikers.
The Tigresses started the game on fire, banking on their quick attacks from Maizo and Maruja Banaticla. The Lady Spikers on the other hand, had little chance to respond; unable to regroup after UST’s offensive spurts.
After the rout, UST carried over the momentum from the previous set, opening with an 8-6 lead. The officials had somewhat of a miscommunication regarding one possession, getting the coaches riled up as they reasoned out with the referees.
Once it had all been over, the Lady Spikers took the helm and never let up. Ateneo Coach, Roger Gorayeb mixed things up, subbing rookie Ella de Jesus for Angeline Gervacio, and the rookie did not disappoint. Ateneo then went on a 21-18 run. After cruising to a 25-18 score line, the Ladies in Blue evened the game, 1-1.
Opening with a 3-1 run in the following set, the Tigresses looked stunned. But they would soon find their groove, chasing the Ateneans for every point.
Both teams made runs, going through at least five lead changes in the set, until both were tied at 19. At this point, Fille Cainglet scored the spikes that mattered, and Ella de Jesus scored on different attacks, en route to a 25-19 third set finish.
Down two sets to one, the Tigresses gained a sense of urgency, and UST mentor Shaq Delos Santos adjusted the defense to prevent Ateneo’s streaking offense.
Maika Ortiz and Maizo took over the game, utilizing digs and blocks to score points for UST. After Ateneo held on to its last lead, 10-9, the Tigresses took over and never trailed again.
Attacks from Maizo abused the Ateneo defense which found itself readjusting once more. The quality of offense dipped, as the girls from Katipunan botched some service plays and sent powerful spikes over the sidelines, giving UST leverage.
By the time Ateneo had found their defensive rhythm, the Lady Spikers were down 23-24. Although they had the opportunity to tie it at 25-all, the Tigresses finished the set off with their last possession, bringing the game to a fifth rubber.
UST opened the fifth set aplomb, making a 4-0 run, which prompted a timeout from Gorayeb. Relying on Ateneo seasoned veterans Bea Pascual and Kara Acevedo, the Lady Spikers responded, and the game was tied at 6-6.
Defensively both teams played held their grounds, countering offensive plays effectively. Soon enough, the Tigresses found the Lady Spikers breathing down their necks at 10-9.
The crowd grew raucous as both teams tightened up on defense, but it was the Tigresses that found the right people at the right time―Maizo’s powerful attacks along with Rhea Dimaculangan’s experience, and some mishaps on Ateneo’s end, gave UST the fifth set and the win, 15-13.
Aiza Maizo topped the scoreboard with 32 points off 29 spikes and three blocks. Sophomore Tigress Maru Banaticla played second fiddle to Maizo, scoring 12 points for the 1-0 Tigresses. Team veteran Kara Acevedo paced Ateneo with 15 points, followed by third-year player Fille Cainglet and rookie Ella de Jesus who scored 14 points apiece. The Lady Spikers featured rookie Dennise Lazaro in the starting line-up after losing Stephanie Gabriel to graduation.
The Lady Spikers will look to bounce back when they face the NU volleybelles on December 4, once again at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
