THE ATENEO Beach Volleyball Teams wrapped up the penultimate day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Beach Volleyball Tournament with two victories and one loss. All bouts were held earlier today, November 28, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in the City of Pasay.
The Ateneo Women’s Beach Volleyball Team (AWBVT) defeated the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons in straight sets, 2-0, and then succumbed to the Season 87 bronze medalists Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in straight sets, 0-2. Later on, the Ateneo Men’s Beach Volleyball Team (AMBVT) swept the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
Women’s match vs. AdU
The Blue Eagles opened the series of matches with unwavering energy in the sands. Spearheaded by Gry Matibag and Liz Lomocso, Ateneo seized their first advantage from the Lady Falcons at 21-15.
Maintaining dynamic chemistry, the pair rose above rising temperatures to challenge Adamson’s Shaina Nitura and Fhei Sagaysay. This led to the Blue Eagles emerging victorious in their first match of the day, 24-22.
Men’s match vs. UP
For the lone AMBVT match of the day, Blue and White representatives Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio confronted the UP Fighting Maroons. In the opening set, the Atenean tandem overwhelmed Katipunan counterparts Angelo Lipata and Immanuel Torotoro, 21-12.
Riding on the momentum, the Blue Eagles rallied against the Maroon and Green to clinch their third win of the tournament. In spite of the Fighting Maroons’ increased point production, Salarzon and Pacinio foiled their opponents’ attempts at a comeback with a straight-set sweep, 21-18.
Women’s match vs. FEU
Carrying over their momentum, veterans Matibag and Lomocso conquered the waves sent by the Lady Tamaraws. However, their precarious force against FEU yielded by the end of the opening set, 16-21.
Determined to take back the advantage, Ateneo increased their aggression in attempts to secure the second set. However, the commendable efforts of the duo fell precariously to the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 18-21.
With slim chances to qualify for the final round, the Ateneo Blue Eagles must secure victory over their final opponents on the last day of the UAAP Season 88 Beach Volleyball Tournament. The AWBVT must conquer the UP Fighting Maroons at 8:30 AM, while AMBVT must overcome the University of the East Red Warriors at 2:45 PM. All matches will be held tomorrow, November 29, at the same venue.
Set scores:
Women’s Division
Ateneo (2) – AdU (0): 21-15, 24-22
Ateneo (0) – FEU (2): 16-21, 18-21
Men’s Division
Ateneo (2) – UP (0): 21-12, 21-18
Current Standings (W-L):
Women’s Division
- UST Tiger Sands (6-0)*
- NU Lady Bulldogs (6-0)*
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (4-2)*
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-3)
- Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-3)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-4)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (0-6)
- UE Lady Warriors (0-6)
Men’s Division
- UST Tiger Sands (6-0)*
- NU Bulldogs (6-0)*
- FEU Tamaraws (3-3)
- Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-3)
- DLSU Green Spikers (2-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons (2-4)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2-4)
- UE Red Warriors (0-6)
* – clinched Final Four berth
