UAAP: Ateneo makes it 3 in a row with win over UE

Ateneo Blue Eagles celebrate during a game against the UE Lady Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo posted its third straight win in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament after beating University of the East, 25-14, 20-25, 25-11, 25-14, Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Faith Nisperos tallied 19 points on 15 attacks, three aces, and a block to go along with seven excellent receptions while Vanie Gandler produced 16 points on 12 attacks that went with 14 excellent digs to lead the Blue Eagles to a share of the third spot with University of the Philippines.

“We’re not counting the streak, we just want to be better every game and this game is not different from the other games. We also had to prepare for UE,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.

“We know for a fact that they are also fighting and if you don’t pay attention on their attacks, they will really hit on you like what happened on our second set.”

Carrying their momentum from the third set, Ateneo entered the second technical timeout of the fourth frame with a 16-9 advantage off a Jheycel Delos Reyes rejection on Rhea Manalo.

The Blue Eagles led by as much as 12, 23-11, off an Erika Raagas hit before Vanie Gandler put up the finishing touches.

Raagas and Joan Narit each had nine points for Ateneo while Jaja Maraguinot collected 24 excellent sets and eight excellent digs.

The Lady Red Warriors suffered another huge blow in their campaign with Ja Lana suffering an injury in the fourth frame after a bad fall on a block attempt.

Just a week ago, Apple Lingay also went down after hurting her right ankle against Far Eastern U.

Lana led the Lady Red Warriors with 13 points and nine excellent receptions while Dara Nieva added 12 points and 10 excellent digs for UE, which dropped to 0-6.

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