UNABLE TO sustain their winning ways, the Ateneo Blue Eagles stumbled against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers, after holy suffering their ninth loss of the season, 12-25, 12-25, 18-25. This second-round elimination match was held earlier today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
For Ateneo, Geezel Tsumashima and Lyann De Guzman paced the Blue and White in scoring with six points each. Meanwhile, Thea Gagate led all scorers with a game-high 16 markers off 10 attacks and six blocks for La Salle.
The first set saw a shaky start for the Blue Eagles as multiple service errors and overwhelming offense from Thea Gagate put Ateneo in a 3-10 deficit. However, efficient attacks from Tsunashima and De Guzman then helped cut the Lady Spikers’ advantage to five, 7-12.
In a sloppy second half of the set, the late stages were defined by DLSU’s block defense, accumulating five block points to Ateneo’s zero. The Blue Eagles then continued to struggle in the scoring department, eventually yielding the frame, 12-25.
Aiming to build positive momentum, Ateneo banked on great execution from Sophie Buena and Tsunashima to keep them in the set, 4-5. However, this tight-knit action would not last as multiple defensive lapses by the Blue Eagles allowed La Salle to sprint to a 5-0 run.
Hoping to keep the game close, Zey Pacia, Buena, and Tsunashima handled the offensive load for the Blue and White throughout the set. Despite this, the balanced scoring would not close the gap as DLSU continued their onslaught, handing Ateneo another 12-25 set loss.
Although the third set saw a better start from the Blue Eagles, keeping in pace with the Green and White at 4-4, DLSU quickly pulled away. With an attack by Gagate, the Lady Spikers took a quick 11-7 lead, but not without resistance from Ateneo.
The Blue Eagles managed to cut their deficit down to one, 10-11, forcing DLSU to call for time. However, it was all La Salle moving forward, with Laput heavily contributing to the Lady Spikers’ set and match win, 25-18.
The Blue Eagles look to end their season on a high note as they face the Adamson University Lady Falcons for their final game of the season. This match will take place this Wednesday, April 24, 2:00 PM at the same venue.
Box scores:
Ateneo (0): Tsunashima – 6, De Guzman – 6, Nisperos – 5, Buena – 4, Miner – 3, Cortez – 2, Pacia – 2, Sulit – 1, Fujimoto – 1
DLSU (3): Gagate – 16, Laput – 15, Provido – 7, Malaluan – 6, Larroza – 6, Coronel – 4
Set scores:
Ateneo-DLSU: 12-25, 12-25, 18-25
Current Standings (W-L):
- NU Lady Bulldogs (11-2)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (11-2)
- UST Golden Tigresses (11-2)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (9-4)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (4-9)
- AdU Lady Falcons (3-9)
- UE Lady Red Warriors (2-11)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-11)
