‘Happy, inspired’ Ateneo knocks out UST for V-League finals berth

Alyssa Valdez PHOTO BY TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Ateneo erased the painful memory of its lone loss and gave University of Santo Tomas a dose of reality with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19 destruction in the final game of the semifinals Wednesday in the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference at San Juan Arena.

With the game right in their grasp at 24-14, the Lady Eagles wasted five straight match points and allowed UST to pull within, 24-19.

But the Tigresses, who stunned the Lady Eagles last Sunday, failed to breathe life into their bid as EJ Laure’s service went long in the ensuing play that sealed Ateneo’s victory.

Ateneo captain Alyssa Valdez said they were happy during the match and played inspired volleyball, a bit happier when they lost to UST in Game 2 of the semifinal series.

“We saw we were playing happy and inspired, everyone contributed to the win,” Valdez said who once again led the Lady Eagles with 19 points. “We always put in our minds we shouldn’t play with pressure and just play happy.”

Bea De Leon and Amy Ahomiro added nine points apiece for Ateneo which will face National University, a team which beat them two seasons past in the finals, for the title.

Laure had nine points for the Tigresses who will face Far Eastern University for the bronze medal.