IN THEIR first matchup since last year’s finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the Ateneo Lady Eagles defeated the De La Salle Lady Archers in five sets, 25-22, 25-27, 16-25, 25-14, 15-9, on Sunday, January 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Grabe lang kasi ‘yong tiwala ni Coach Tai sa amin. Kahit mag-error kami, kahit ilang sunud-sunod pa ‘yan, sasabihin lang niya sa’yo, ‘heartstrong’ (Coach Tai’s faith in the team is simply unbelievable. Even if we commit consecutive errors, he’ll just tell you, ‘heartstrong’),” said Team Captain Alyssa Valdez.
This win puts the Lady Eagles at an undefeated 7-0 record in the elimination round standings. La Salle, on the other hand, suffer their first loss of the season.
Ateneo was able to hold on to the five-set victory despite the 46 points they gave up due to their unforced errors. The Lady Eagles had a 17-point difference against La Salle with the 49-32 advantage in total attack points won. Both teams had 10 points each from blocks and Ateneo had a slim 11-9 lead from the service zone.
The first set featured a come-from-behind effort by the Lady Eagles as they trailed, 14-19. Ella De Jesus, however, produced for the girls in blue and white as she rallied her team back into the set with a series of well-hit attacks. The momentum shifted to the Ateneans as a block by Valdez tied the set at 21-all, which was followed by consecutive markers from Jia Morado and Bea de Leon. Ateneo secured the opening set, 25-22.
La Salle, however, retaliated on the next two sets, led by the well-balanced offensive attack of Ara Galang, Cyd Demecillo and Desiree Cheng. With Mika Reyes patrolling the front line defense, the Lady Archers took the next two sets with the scores of 27-25 and 25-16.
The Lady Eagles adjusted in the fourth set, as they were able to tally cleaner receptions that set up Valdez, Amy Ahomiro and De Leon for more attacks. The Katipunan-based squad cruised through and forced a fifth and deciding set with the score of 25-14.
Despite the early exchange of points that led to an 8-all deadlock, the Lady Eagles were able to pad their lead care of their aggressiveness defensively. Ahomiro led the charge as her combination of down the line kills and well-timed blocks helped Ateneo garner the advantage. De Leon ended the set and the five-set thriller with a front row attack that gave the Lady Eagles the 15-9 win.
Valdez topped the team in scoring again with 26 points followed up by Ahomiro’s 13. De Jesus and de Leon added to the offensive end as they garnered nine points each. Rookie Jhoana Maraguinot also played quality minutes as she pitched in three points late down the stretch. Mordao distributed the ball with 32 excellent sets while Dennise Lazaro notched 18 excellent digs.
Scores:
Ateneo – Valdez 26, Ahomiro 13, De Jesus 9, De Leon 9, Morado 5, Morente 5, Maraguinot 3
La Salle – Galang 11, Demecillo 9, Reyes 8, Fajardo 7, Cheng 6, Soyud 4, Dy 3, Baron 3
Updated on January 11, 2015 at 11:58 PM.
2nd round schedule of ALE
Jan 25, Sunday vs Nu (SJ)
28, Wed vs Adu (Moa)
31, Sat vs Up (2 pm, SJ)
Feb 4, Wed vs Feu (2pm, SJ)
11, Wed vs Ust (Moa)
15, Sun vs Ue (2pm, Araneta)
22, Sun vs Dlsu (Araneta)
SJ – San Juan Arena, not Society of Jesus, lol