THE ATENEO Lady Eagles defeated the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 21-10 and 21-7, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Women’s Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, September 28, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in Pasay City. Today’s results give Team Captain Ponggay Gaston and rookie Roma Mae Doromal a 2-2 standing. 

The NU tandem of Andrea Abian and Chlea Dela Fuente nabbed an early lead in the first set off of service errors and lapsed receptions from Ateneo, 4-2. However, the Lady Eagles quickly righted the ship and turned on their offense. A 5-0 run was ignited by Gaston followed by consecutive attack points from Doromal, 18-9. Gaston’s excellent dig set up the rookie to finish off the first set, 21-10.

In the second set, Gaston drew first blood after a monster kill down the middle. The Lady Eagles used their stifling defense to power through the rest of the match, as the Lady Bulldogs’ finished with zero attack points in the set. Gaston and Doromal did not let up on offense either, peppering the opposition with corner lob shots and cross-court kills. Doromal put away the game with a spike finding the end-line, 21-7. All seven of NU’s points came from service errors committed by the Lady Eagles.

After their resounding win, Doromal expressed that their achievement today builds towards establishing themselves as serious contenders this season. “Hindi namin goal ang top four o top three, goal namin makarating ng championship (Our goal isn’t to reach the top four or top three, our goal is to reach the championship),” she said.

The Lady Eagles will fight to stretch their winning streak to three in their next games against the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University at 12:40 PM and 2:00 PM, respectively, on Saturday, September 28, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in Pasay City.

Set Scores:

Ateneo-NU: 21-10, 21-7