Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo brought down San Sebastian, 25-22, 25-23, 25-17, Saturday night to book the fourth and last semifinals spot in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13-Collegiate Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Ana Gopico led the way by uncorking 15 points, 11 of which came off attacks and four on service aces, as the Lady Eagles forged a best-of-three semis showdown with the no. 1 Far Eastern U starting Monday.
The other semis pairing pits No. 2 National U against No. 3 State U in the main game at 6 p.m.
“We were more confident out there and we didn’t rattle much in crucial situations,” said Gopico.
Truly, Ateneo showed tremendous composure in the first two sets when they fended off repeared rallies by San Sebastian.
Up 22-15 in the opening set, the Lady Stags fought their way back to cut it to a 23-21 deficit but the Lady Eagles kept their cool and took two of the last three points including a crisp spike by Gopico to snatch the set.
It was a little closer in the second as San Sebastian led, 19-18, before Gopico and Ateneo toom charge again to take the set.
The Lady Stags were never the same after it.
The victory avenged Ateneo’s 23-25, 22-25, 23-25 defeat to San Sebastian in their first meeting in the group stages on Aug. 6.
Ateneo skipper Michelle Morente said they’ve learned from their mistakes.
“We made some adjustments and we kept our cool, that really helped us get this win,” said Morente.