Photo by Bong Lozada/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Riding their impressive momentum, defending champion Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles clinched the first Final Four slot of the UAAP Season 77 Women’sVolleyball Tournament as they made quick work of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroon, 3-0, 25-18, 25-18, 25-18, Saturday afternoon at the Arena in San Juan.
Alyssa Valdez rose in the defensive end denying Vina Alinas to secure the match and the Final Four slot.
Valdez said that their focus would now be on the Final Four and they would also take the remaining games into consideration.
“All our efforts were worth the Final Four slot,” Valdez said as they stay unbeaten in 10 games, the best mark in the tournament. “We will work hard for sure and we want to level up our game.”
UP clawed its way back from a 15-8 hole in the third set and closed the gap to 16-14 but Ateneo had the answers, precisely five unanswered points to go up 21-14 courtesy of Amy Ahomiro’s well-placed tap.
Ateneo’s string of fifteen unbeaten sets came to an end when UP took them to five sets in the first round, but the Lady Eagles still triumphed, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 15-25, 15-11.
Valdez added that even though they have stayed unbeaten in 10 matches, their coach Tai Bundit does not let up during training and takes them through the rigors as if they’re in last place.
“Coach Tai never lets us feel that we are on a win streak,” Valdez said. “During training he manages to show that we are not on our peak level.”
Valdez once again led her team with 20 points while Bea de Leon added 10 for Ateneo.
Jia Morado pitched in eight points, including three service aces.
Marian Buitre soared for 13 points while teammate Nicole Tiamzon added 12 for the 4-6 Lady Fighting Maroons who fell to sixth place in the standings.
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