THE ATENEO Blue Eagles failed to avenge their first-round loss, 22-25, 19-25, 18-25, as they were unable to contain second-seeded De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The game was held earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Ateneo—currently on a three-game losing streak—now ranks 6th in the league with a win-loss record of 4-9 after dropping today’s rivalry battle. 

Coming off their previous losses, the Loyola Heights-based squad showed increased aggressiveness and improved floor coverage since the start of the match. The Blue Eagles then possessed the lead and were awarded two service aces before the first technical timeout, 8-6. Keeping the score close, DLSU’s monster rookie Angel Canino made her presence felt early on in the set as she unloaded impressive cross-court kills, 14-14. Although the duo of Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos showcased undaunted offensive efforts, the Lady Spikers still towered over the Blue Eagles at the net and took the set, 22-25.

The Blue and White opened the second canto with a 4-0 run as they took advantage of DLSU’s lapses on defense, 7-6, while also committing attack errors of their own. AC Miner’s sharp running attacks alongside the Nisperos-Gandler duo kept the Blue Eagles afloat when the Lady Spikers started to pull away, 19-22. Despite Ateneo’s impressive defense, the Taft-based squad claimed Set 2 at 19-25 after a 3-0 run capped off the canto.

Set 3 started with the score arriving at several deadlocks. Once the Lady Spikers started gaining momentum, Gandler responded by pounding on DLSU’s floor defense with her down-the-line kills, 12-14 in favor of DLSU. Setter Taks Fujimoto’s connection with the attackers was crucial for Ateneo to delay their defeat. However, as the Lady Spikers launched forward with merciless attacks in the latter part of the set, the Blue Eagles finally gave up their cause, 18-25.

The Blue Eagles will aim to end the season on a good note as they face the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs on April 29, Saturday, at the FilOil Eco-Oil Centre in the City of San Juan.

Box scores:

Ateneo: Gandler – 13, Nisperos – 12, Miner – 10, Narit – 7, Buena – 2, Fujimoto – 1, Tsunashima – 1

DLSU: Laput – 16, Canino – 13, Gagate – 12, Dela Cruz – 8, Sharma – 4, Alba – 3, Soreno – 3

Set scores:

22-25, 19-25, 18-25