THE ATENEO Blue Eagles lose in a five-set thriller against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (FEU), 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 22-25, 10-15. The game was held yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in the City of Manila.
This loss puts the Blue Eagles at a 1-1 record in Pool D of the elimination round standings of Shakey’s Super League.
An excellent cross-court attack was performed by outside hitter Lyann De Guzman, who led the Blue and White with 16 points. Alexis Miner, Jennifer De Los Santos, and Yvanna Sulit followed suit with 14, 10, and 10 points respectively.
Meanwhile, FEU’s Faida Bakanke led the match with a game-high 21 points off of 17 attacks, three blocks, and one service point. The Blue Eagles were denied victory by FEU’s monster blocks and quick attacks from game-top scorer Bankanke, who led her team with a total of 21 points.
Ateneo clinched the first two sets, with set scores of 25-22 and 25-23 respectively. Miner, Geezel Tsunashima, and Sophia Buena exhibited excellent kills, challenging the floor defense of FEU. Aside from impressive play, the Blue Eagles also sought to gain a 2-0 lead through headstrong service aces, down-the-line attacks, and off-the-block hits.
Determined to extend the contest, the Morayta-based team regrouped to find their attacking rhythm in the third set. Momentum shifted to the Lady Tamaraws as Ateneo was plagued with consecutive receiving errors, failing to attain any comfortable leads. While Bakanke fortified the FEU wall, they continued to dominate at the net, claiming the next two sets, 25-20 and 25-22, respectively.
Long play rallies characterized the final frame, as FEU secured crucial points with consistent defense and impressive attacking skill to ultimately hand the Katipunan-based squad their first loss of the preseason tournament, 15-10.
“These are growing pains and it’s more of getting everyone to stick to the new system. Our [new] system is blocking and we did not do so well in the blocking department today because we were out-blocked by FEU,” said Assistant Coach Mona Bagatsing.
Despite the loss, Ateneo can still qualify for the quarter-finals if they are to beat their next opponent in straight sets.
This game will be against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, October 1 at 5:00 PM at the same venue.
