DESPITE THEIR polished on-court display in the second round so far, the Ateneo Blue Eagles fell to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 25-22, 25-16, 25-15. The game was held earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena in the City of Pasay.
The Blue Eagles remain at the fifth spot in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 standings. However, the Katipunan-based squad find themselves in a dicey position in the Final Four race after this loss.
Highlighting the Blue Eagles’ offensive side was Middle Blocker, AC Miner, who clinched nine points for the Blue and White. Following pursuit were Yvanna Sulit and Lyann De Guzman, who contributed eight points each to the scoreboard.
However, countering Ateneo’s strenuous feat was Alyssa Solomon, who dropped 23 points to lead the way offensively for the Bulldogs.
Opening the match with a block point, the Blue Eagles established their offensive play in the early portions of the set. AC Miner dominated the net with her quick attacks from the middle. Meanwhile, the polished floor defense of the Blue and White became their advantage to counter NU’s equally aggressive attack front, 3-2.
However, the three-point deficit of the Lady Bulldogs at 5-8 closed in at 9-9 after Minierva Maaya’s offensive retaliation. Despite the Blue Eagles’ two-point trail behind NU, De Guzman ended a long rally with a block point to cease Belen’s solid attack from the left wing, 10-12.
The blocking system of the Blue and White became the backbone of their synergy in the first set, keeping them within striking distance throughout the first strophe. However, De Guzman’s service error handed the Lady Bulldogs their first advantage in the match, 25-22.
Stemming from their lost confidence, the Blue Eagles began the second set in cold water, suffering from a three-point deficit early on, 1-4. Amidst their miscalculated hits, Miner tallied a point for Ateneo with a striking quick attack from the middle to keep them above ground, 5-9.
Despite Ateneo’s offensive hustles, NU maintained a comfortable lead at 12-6. Determined to bridge the scoreboard gap, the Blue Eagles’ timely defensive stops awarded them a 3-0 run, 16-23. However, the error-plagued Katipunan-based squad handed the Lady Bulldogs their second set win in the game, 25-16.
Striving to extend the match, Miner traded consecutive points from the middle in the first plays of the set, 2-3. Despite finding their attack rhythm, the Blue and White saw themselves down by three thanks to NU’s Solomon’s consecutive service aces, 5-8.
The strenuous efforts of Sulit and Ysa Nisperos at 15-22 added to the point tally of Ateneo amidst the scoring streak of NU. However, an influx of defensive errors dominated Ateneo’s side of the court, which eventually paved the way for the Lady Bulldogs’ triumphant victory, 25-15.
Seeking to avenge their tough loss, the Blue Eagles aim to retaliate against the University of the East Lady Warriors on April 14 in the same venue.
Box scores:
Ateneo (0): Miner – 9, Sulit – 8, De Guzman – 8, Buena – 3, Tsunashima – 2, Nisperos – 1, Pacia – 1
NU (3): Solomon – 23, Alinsug – 15, Pangilinan – 5, Maaya – 3, Lamina – 3, Belen 2, Escanlar – 1, Pono – 1
Set scores: 22-25, 16-25, 15-25
Standings (W-L):
- UST Golden Tigresses (10-1)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (9-1)
- NU Lady Bulldogs (9-2)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (6-4)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-8)
- UE Lady Red Warriors (2-8)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-8)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-10)
