THE ATENEO Blue Eagles rallied past Katipunan neighbors University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22, to claim their fourth win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The game was held earlier today at the FilOil Eco-Oil Centre in the City of San Juan.

The two teams struggled to start their own momentum in Set 1 because of service and attack errors committed by both sides. Despite the sluggish start, the Ateneo Blue Eagles still took the early lead, 8-5, and maintained it all throughout the set, 25-20. Starting libero Roma Mae Doromal showcased excellent digging that allowed setter Taks Fujimoto to orchestrate better offense. Middle blocker Joan Narit also made a significant impact in both blocking and attacking. 

Unlike the previous set, the Fighting Maroons, led by Alyssa Bertolano, took control in the beginning of the second set, 1-5 for UP. However, wth the ever-reliable Team Captain Faith Nisperos doubling her efforts for the Ateneo squad, the Blue and White raced back in the set to force a deadlock, 11-11. UP’s failure to minimize their errors gave way for the Blue Eagles to launch forward and win the set, 25-17.

The third set began with the teams battling neck-and-neck. Ateneo’s impressive 6-1 run led by Lyann De Guzman and Nisperos allowed the Blue Eagles to pull away from their opponent, 17-11. As Ateneo approached match point, 24-17, UP’s defeat was delayed by a series of errors from the Blue Eagles. However, it was also off another error that the Blue Eagles were able to take the match at 25-22.

Aiming to keep a winning momentum in the tournament’s second round of elimination, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are set to face the University of Santo Tomas Lady Tigresses on April 15 at the PhilSports Complex in the City of Pasig. 

Box scores:

Ateneo: Nisperos – 17, Gandler – 9, De Guzman – 8, Miner – 5, Narit – 5, Fujimoto – 1

UP: Bertolano – 9, Celis – 8, Encarnacion – 6, Bustrillo – 5, Cabasac – 4, Ytang – 3. Arce – 2, Goc – 2, Sotomil – 1

Set scores:

25-20, 25-17, 25-22