MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo fired 14 service aces as the Lady Eagles spoiled Far Eastern University’s bid for the last semifinal slot with a 25-17, 25-19, 25-16 win Sunday at the end of the eliminations in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Alyssa Valdez pumped in 21 points in the commanding victory that pushed the Lady Tamaraws down to a share of fourth with idle Adamson at 6-8.
Rookie Michelle Morente, who had 14 points, and Ella de Jesus accounted for half of the Lady Eagles’ aces.
The Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Falcons will dispute the last semifinal berth on Wednesday, with the winner advancing against the third-ranked Lady Eagles (10-4) in the stepladder semifinals.
La Salle completed an incredible 14-0 sweep to clinch an outright championship berth while the next three squads clash in the semifinals, where No. 2 National University (12-2) holds a twice-to-beat advantage.
In men’s action, Edwin Tolentino tossed in 12 points as the Bulldogs downed the Tamaraws, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16, to clinch the No. 1 spot with a 12-2 record.
University of the East nailed its first win on by scuttling La Salle’s bid for the last semifinal seat, 25-23, 15-25, 25-21, 25-22.
The Archers wound up tied for fourth with Adamson and the two will battle for the last Final Four berth in playoff, also on Wednesday.
Both the Archers and the Falcons finished with 7-7 records behind No. 2 Ateneo (11-3) and the third-ranked Tamaraws (9-5).
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