THE ATENEO Blue Eagles fell to the Arellano University Lady Chiefs in a three-set sweep, 21-25, 18-25, 21-25, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the City of Manila.
This loss puts the Loyola Heights-based squad at a 2-2 win-loss standing in the second round playoffs of the Shakeys Super League Preseason Championship.
Despite clinching a three-point lead from the onset, the Blue Eagles quickly fell under the mercy of the Lady Chief’s top level speed of play. Arellano astutely targeted setter Taks Fujimoto’s receiving zone, limiting counterattack options for Ateneo while showcasing their own offensive line led by Marianne Padillion, 5-11.
With the Lady Chiefs boasting masterclass floor defense, attacking efficiency was at a dismal rate for Lyann De Guzman, Sophia Buena, and Gena Hora. Arellano maintained their lead with down-the-line kills and off-the-block points, while Ateneo struggled to keep up on the defensive department until the end of set one, 21-25.
Due to the tournament’s all-to-play rule, both squads fielded a new set of players for the second canto. Blue Eagle attackers matched Arellano’s court chemistry for successful transition plays, 6-2. However, the Lady Chiefs sharpened the palisade to contain outsider hitter Yssa Nisperos and veteran AC Miner, climbing to an eight-point lead, 14-22. Despite Nisperos’s off-the-block points in attempts to salvage the set, the Lady Chiefs mercilessly exhausted Ateneo floor and net defenders for a two-set lead, 25-18.
Insistent on extending the match, Buena and De Guzman executed much-needed kills to welcome set three, 7-7. With finer court chemistry, the Blue Eagles tested the Lady Chiefs, but Arellano responded with greater offensive prowess, 13-16. Hefty cross-court kills and well-placed tips from the Lady Chiefs destabilized the fragile Ateneo blockade and floor defense to claim the match, 25-21.
Hungry to avenge their loss, the Blue Eagles are set to face the 2022 SSL first runner-up National University Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, October 15 at 5:00 PM in the same venue.
Set Scores:
Ateneo-AU: 21-25, 18-25, 21-25
