THE ATENEO Lady Spikers easily swept their match against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons last Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Spikers had to make do without Coach Anusorn “Tai” Bundit in the sidelines. Coach Tai was recalled back to Thailand to coach the Air Force team in the Thailand University League, which will run from January 11 to 20. Despite the Thai mentor’s absence, the squad managed to prevail under Coach Parley Tupaz, securing the victory in three sets, 25-20, 25-21, and 25-13.
Clear-cut sets from Julia Morado opened up an early lead for the Ateneo, as both Amy Ahomiro and Alyssa Valdez were given the chance to execute powerful shots. Service errors and miscommunication among the Lady Spikers, however, trimmed down their lead from five to three. Ateneo then easily recuperated with well-timed shots from Valdez and Ahomiro, allowing them to reestablish a comfortable five-point lead at 18-13.
Ateneo’s defense further strengthened in the latter part of the first set, as Marge Tejada denied the opponent’s advances with her well-timed blocks. The set ended with Ateneo on top, 25-20.
Consecutive service aces and powerful spikes from Valdez gave Ateneo an early advantage in the second set at 6-5. UP, however, would keep the contest tight as they hustled on their attacks. Kathy Bersola became a key player for the Fighting Maroons, as she gave her team their first lead of the game at 6-7.
Service aces from Tejada, however, denied the opponent’s pursuit to gain further points as Ateneo boosted their lead to three at 11-8 and Ahomiro and Valdez continued to penetrate the opponent’s defenses.
Later in the set, the teams exchanged points as miscommunication among the Lady Spikers hindered them from executing their play. Ateneo’s lead was down to 2 at 23-21, but close as it was for UP to steal the set, a Valdez drop and a Gopico block gave the team the points they needed to secure the set at 25-21.
The last set featured smarter attacks from UP, as Bersola intelligently placed her shots in the open zones. This, however, was countered by spikes from Ahomiro and Valdez, as well as blocks from Gopico. Ateneo’s attack and defense proved to be unstoppable as the team soared their way to a 25-13 score that ended the match.
With this victory, the Ateneo Lady Spikers extend their winning streak to four games and now own a 4-1 win-loss record.
The Ladies in Blue and White will look to keep their momentum going when they face off with the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
