Ateneo books Shakey’s V-League Finals slot

Their morale deflated by a stinging defeat, the Ateneo Lady Eagles regained their confidence when they needed it most in the Shakey’s V-League Season 12-Collegiate Conference.

The Lady Eagles got back at the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in a convincing manner, 25-18, 25-18, 25-19, yesterday at Filoil Flying V Arena to seal their title showdown with National University.

Setter Gizelle Tan dazzled on the floor with 17 excellent sets while Alyssa Valdez came up with 19 hits as Ateneo leaned on assertive net control and superior blocking that frustrated the Tigresses no end.

After stealing Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinal series, the Tigresses were on chase mode throughout the game, except when they had a two-point lead in the second set and when they forced a long Ateneo drought toward end.

“Coach Tai kept on lifting us up during training because we were so down after that loss,” said Tan. “He just kept on telling us to stay positive.”

The Eagles did stay positive and gave no room for the Tigresses, who halted Ateneo’s 10-game win streak, to flourish.

They cut loose from an 11-8 advantage in the third frame by deflecting the net attacks of the Tigresses five times and hammering eight straight hits in return that put game beyond redemption.

Ennajie Laure, who had a stellar performance last time out, lost her touch while UST skipper Pam Lastimosa got smothered by a host of efficient Ateneo net defenders.

The Tigresses, winner of six league championships, simply fumbled during Ateneo’s run in the third that saw the Eagles take a 19-12 advantage to finish the rubber match of their best-of-three semifinal series in 78 minutes.

The best-of-three title series between the Lady Eagles and the Lady Bulldogs begin on Sunday at 12:45 p.m.

Laure typified UST’s struggle with nine points while Lastimosa scored six and the pair of Carmela Tunay and Jessey de Leon came up with five hits each.