THE ATENEO Blue Eagles successfully recovered from their previous loss against National University with a victory over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Lady Altas, 25-21, 26-24, 26-24, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. This win puts the Blue Eagles at 1-1 in the playoffs round of the Shakey’s Super League.
Most Valuable Player of the match Lyann De Guzman showcased her maturity and improvement with her consecutive cross-court kills, impressive digs, and back-to-back service aces.
Middle blocker Yvana Sulit stepped up for Ateneo to start the first canto in place of Joan Narit who sprained her ankle during Ateneo’s last game in the V-League. Early into the set, Sulit earned block points and found great connection with setter Takako Fujimoto for her quick attacks.
Despite Vanie Gandler’s offensive efforts from the right wing, the Lady Altas challenged Ateneo’s defense with multiple service aces, 7-9 with UPHSD leading. To spark a comeback, Fujimoto activated Faith Nisperos and AC Miner to lead her squad to close the point lead in time for the second half of the set. Although UPHSD attempted to regain composure with their deadly serves, Ateneo’s height advantage at the net caused the Lady Altas to falter in their defense and lose the set, 25-21.
In the second set, Miner’s efficient connection with Setter Makana Kowalski allowed her to unload running attacks that were too sharp for the Lady Altas blockers to contain. However, the Lady Altas were able to take advantage of the holes in Ateneo’s floor coverage, allowing them to take the lead towards the latter part of the set, 19-21. Gandler punctuated a long intense rally force the deuce, while the ever-reliable Nisperos silenced the Lady Altas with a kill from the wing, 26-24.
Determined to finish the match, the Blue Eagles touched on improving their communication inside the court. This manifested with Miner accumulating several quick attack points, and Gandler and De Guzman showing unrelentless attacking power against UPHSD blockers.
Like a well-oiled machine, both Blue Eagle rookies and veterans showcased exceptional defensive and offensive hustle, keeping a consistent lead over the Lady Altas, 17-14. Raising their aggression and playing speed, UPHSD backed Ateneo in a corner, tying the match at 24-24. Team captain Nisperos responded by upping the ante of her spikes, which were too much for UPHSD backrow defenders to contain, closing the set at 26-24.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles will look to bring the same energy in their next game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Due to Typhoon Paeng, the game schedule for the postponed matches of October 29 will follow.
Set Score:
Ateneo-UPHSD: 25-21, 26-24, 26-24
