THE ATENEO Women’s Volleyball Team fell to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 15-25, 22-25, 24-26, in their Shakey’s Super League second round outing. The match concluded earlier tonight at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in the City of Manila.
This edition of the Battle of Katipunan began slow for the Blue Eagles as they suffered a mammoth 14-1 Fighting Maroon run at the start of the contest. Showcasing their veteran prowess, Zel Tsunashima, AC Miner, and Sobe Buena led a 6-2 run to cut the UP lead to single digits, 7-16. However, the Blue Eagles’ lackluster floor defense by the Blue Eagles ultimately cost them the set, 15-25.
The second set kicked off with back-and-forth action between the two squads. The Blue Eagles unleashed a mixture of off-the-block spikes and massive blocks courtesy of Jennifer Delos Santos and drop ball attacks from KC Cortez and Alexia Montoro. However, various defensive miscues and unforced errors led to a close battle between the Fighting Maroons until the second technical timeout, 16-15.
Despite a strong offensive effort from Jihan Chuatico and Delos Santos, the Katipunan-based squad suffered a 5-0 run from UP, eventually losing the set 22-25.
Striving to stay in the game, Ateneo launched an onslaught of crosscourt attacks from Buena and running attacks from Yvana Sulit and Miner to set the tone of the third set. However, defensive and communication problems still flustered the Blue Eagles, allowing the Fighting Maroons to go on a 6-1 run.
Midway through the set, the Blue and White put on an offensive prowess led by Buena’s crosscourt attacks, successfully achieving a 4-0 run and forcing a deadlock at 22. The dogfight continued into a deuce; however, UP’s Irah Jaboneta iced the game with a spike through Ateneo’s blockers, 24-26.
Aiming to capture their fourth win, the Blue Eagles will face the FEU Lady Tamaraws tomorrow, October 27, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
Box scores:
Ateneo (0): Buena – 9, Delos Santos – 7, Tsunashima – 7, De Guzman – 6, Montoro – 5, Miner – 4, Chuatico – 3, Silla – 2, Cortez – 1
UP (3): Doering – 10, Jaboneta – 9, Ytang – 7, Olango – 6, Gould – 5, Noceja – 4, Cabasac – 3, Lauchengco – 2, Baclay – 2, Bansil – 2, Magsombol – 1
Set scores:
Ateneo-UP: 15-25, 22-25, 24-26
Pool F Standings (W-L):
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-0)
- UST Golden Tigresses (1-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-2)
