THE ATENEO Blue Eagles saw mixed results as they finished off their elimination round, snatching victory against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, while faltering at the hands of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Paddlers.
The final day of the table tennis elimination round in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 was held earlier today, November 19, at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.
After today’s results, the Ateneo Women’s Table Tennis Team (AWTTT) remains as the fourth seed in the standings while entering the Final Four with a 6-6 record.
8:00 AM match vs. UE
Opening the series of matches with authority, Andrea Deondo secured Ateneo’s first team-tie of the day against UE’s Gem Nonan via sweep, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6.
Replicating her teammate’s dominance, Anna Fabregar shut down UE’s Danica Galang in three straight sets, 11-8, 11-6, 11-7.
In spite of holding a 2-0 team-tie advantage, Ateneo’s Nicole Alemania and Celeen Docto encountered difficulty in the doubles contest against Daisy Calo and Nelly Baroro. After claiming a 2-1 lead, 12-10, 7-11, 11-7, the Katipuan-based duo stumbled in the succeeding frames, 9-11, 7-11, giving UE their first win of the series.
Looking to deny the Red and White’s comeback attempt, Jelaine Monteclaro opened the third singles with an 11-8 first set victory over Jhercy Valenzuela. However, she failed to seize momentum as the next two sets favored the Lady Warrior, 10-12, 7-11. Monteclaro then leveled the board in the fourth frame, 11-8, but ultimately conceded the fifth set, 4-11, sending the series to a do-or-die singles match.
With stakes on the line, Ateneo fielded Audrey Solis to close out the match against Ainsley Ramos. The Blue Eagle’s poise proved to be pivotal as she quickly took care of business in three sets, 11-9, 11-2, 11-6.
10:30 AM match vs. FEU
The second match saw Ateneo attempt to break FEU’s undefeated record with Monteclaro leading the charge against Cate Sarmiento. Despite the co-captain’s valiant effort, she dropped the first singles in four sets, 6-11, 6-11, 11-7, 4-11.
With her eagerness to redeem the previous loss, Ateneo’s Trisha Pachica was unable to get past Chrishien Santillan, falling in three sets, 3-11, 4-11, 1-11.
The Blue Eagles continued to struggle in the doubles match as Alemania and Fabregar fell to a 0-2 hole against FEU’s Glieza Ampalid and Krisha Reyes, 4-10, 10-13. Refusing to concede, the Atenean paddlers rallied back into the game by taking the next two sets, 11-7,11-5. While the Blue and White remained persistent, they eventually handed victory to the Lady Tamaraws after being edged out in the final set, 9-11.
1:30 PM match vs. DLSU
Opening their final round of matches for the day, Ateneo’s Pachica struggled against DLSU’s Angelou Laude, surrendering in straight sets. Throughout the match, Pachica failed to get her swing going, which resulted in a sweep, 4-11, 2-11, 2-11.
The second match saw the Blue Eagles’ Deondo taking on DLSU’s Arianna Lim. Turning the fortunes for the Blue and White, Deondo made quick work of her adversary in consecutive sets, 11-2, 11-3. In a fierce battle in the closing possessions of the vital frame, the Blue Eagle managed to escape the set with the win, 11-8.
Returning to the floor for doubles competition were Docto and Monteclaro, who were tasked to face DLSU’s Mariana Caoile and Sharina Mendoza. With the Blue Eagles vying to break the game’s deadlock, the Atenean pair stumbled in the opening sets, placing them in a tough deficit, 9-11, 6-11. In the third set, the duo showcased their chemistry as they held off the Lady Paddlers, 11-9. However, the Blue Eagles failed to take advantage of their edge as the Blue and White stumbled in the end, 8-11.
With their backs against the wall, the Blue Eagles enlisted Fabregar in a crucial match against Kyla Bernaldez. In the first two sets, the Blue Eagle paddler fell short of taking the lead, 8-11, 9-11. As tensions flared once more in the third set, Fabregar failed to muster another offensive run, surrendering the set and overall game, 9-11.
Finishing 6-6 in the elimination round, the Blue Eagles set their foot into Final Four contention. The AWTTT looks to keep their season alive as they take on the DLSU Lady Paddlers tomorrow, November 20, at 8:00 AM in the same venue.
Women’s Standings (W-L)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (12-0)*
- UST Lady Paddlers (10-2)*
- DLSU Lady Paddlers (8-4)*
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (6-6)*
- UE Lady Warriors (3-9)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-10)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-11)
* – clinched Final Four berth
