Ateneo keeps Shakey’s V-L hopes alive

CAGAYAN Valley star Aiza Maizo (left) tries to send a spike past NU’s Myla Pablo. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Deadly with her serve, Michelle Morente made sure Ateneo would live to fight another day in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference.

The Lady Eagles relied on Morente’s blazing service game in the fifth set to subdue Army, 25-19, 19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 16-14 last night at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Picking the right time to shine, Morente finished with 16 points, including 10 aces, as the reigning UAAP champions stayed in the hunt for a semifinal spot.

It was Ateneo’s fourth straight win in the single-round quarterfinals with another victory keeping them in contention for a playoff for a place in the Final Four.

The Lady Troopers couldn’t find an answer to Morente’s booming serves in the fifth set. After an MJ Balse’s smash went wide, tying the game at 14, Morente fired a couple of aces to wrap up the victory in an hour and 59 minutes.

Morente actually had seven aces just in the fifth set, giving the battle-weary Alyssa Valdez solid support as the Eagles improved to 6-5 overall.

Keeping her fiery form, Valdez fired 28 points, while Amy Ahomiro tallied 19 for the Lady Eagles, who face National U tomorrow.

The Lady Troopers drew 23 points from Rachel Ann Daquis and 15 hits from Jovelyn Gonzaga.

The Lady Eagles’ hopes of reaching the next round got a boost earlier after the Lady Bulldogs fought back from two sets down to stun Cagayan Valley, 23-25, 18-25, 25-16, 25-14, 16-14.

The Lady Rising Suns remained in fourth at 6-4.