Ateneo blanks FEU in V-League semis opener
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo’s dream run continues.
The Lady Eagles swept Far Eastern University, 25-14, 28-26, 25-22, at the start their best-of-3 semifinals series in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference Monday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Team captain Mich Morente fired 10 of her 13 points from kills, while Bea de Leon also had 13 markers.
Kim Gequillana also had 12, eight from hits, two blocks, and two service aces, while Ana Gopico got 11 to pull Ateneo a win away from a return trip to the Finals.
“Never namin in-expect na makakapasok kami sa semis or even sa Finals. Naglalaro lang kami for experience,” said Morente.
Ateneo showed its poise in the second set, battling from a 24-21 deficit and stringing four straight points to retake the lead and eventually nab the 28-26 set victory.
The Lady Eagles continued to pound the Lady Tamaraws, with Gequillana flexing her muscle to break the 22-all deadlock and capitalize on their errors in the end.
FEU coach Shaq delos Santos sat out Bernadeth Pons, who was injured during warm ups, for the game.
“Medyo may factor talaga if andoon si Pons, but we hope na yung game na ito will boost our confidence for the next game,” said Gequillana.
Morente added, “We have to work harder for our next game.”
Game 2 is on Wednesday, still at Philsports Arena.
Heather Guino-o paced FEU with 11 points, while Toni Rose Basas got all 10 of her markers from attacks.
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