Ateneo Blue Eagles vs Arellano Lady Chiefs in the in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo banked on Zey Pacia and Lyann De Guzman to sweep Arellano, 25-17, 25-18, 25-18, and stay in the playoff race in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Pacia and De Guzman powered the Blue Eagles from a tough four-set loss to defending champion National University last week and handed the first loss of the erstwhile-unbeaten Lady Chiefs.
Ateneo tied Arellano at 2-1 behind the 2-0 NU in Pool C. It needs to win its remaining match against Emilio Aguinaldo College next week.
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Pacia and De Guzman scored 10 points each and combined for 18 of the team’s 41 attack points.
“Coach Sergio (Veloso) tells us to have a strong mind and just trust ourselves,” said Pacia.
No one from Arellano scored in double figures with Marianne Padillon, Fhaye Mangubat, Kacelyn Punzalan, and Samantha Tiratira having five points each.
Meanwhile, San Beda finally entered the win column after beating EAC, 25-18, 25-23, 25-22, to improve to a 1-2 record in Pool A.
Eager to finally end a two-game skid, ReyAnn Cañete led the Lady Red Spikers’ collective effort with eight points built on seven attacks and an ace.
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“Our motivation came from trusting the entire team. It was a big adjustment because we brought in new players like [Gina] Espina and Jermaine [Joniega], so we had to adjust and give everyone a chance to play when the opportunity came,” said Cañete, the San Beda captain.
“Our mindset was to unite because we all want to win.”
Venice Pagayanan was also instrumental for San Beda with eight points, while Angel Habacon delivered seven points.
The Lady Red Spikers battle the Lady Bulldogs on Sunday at 6 p.m.
EAC remained winless in three games after losing in back-to-back games including a straight-set loss to NU on Friday. Elizza Alimen and Alessandra Razonable carried the Lady Generals with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
In the final match, Far Eastern University survived Shaina Nitura’s 35-point explosion for Adamson, eking out a 16-25, 25-22, 31-33, 25-20, 15-13 victory to complete a Pool D sweep.
Jean Asis led the Lady Tamaraws’ comeback with 13 points. Chenie Tagaod and Gerz Petallo chimed in 12 points each, while Clarisse Loresco added 11 points including three blocks to clinch one of the two playoff berths in their group with a 3-0 record.
Nitura, the rookie sensation, poured in 33 kills and two blocks but her season-high went for naught as the Lady Falcons dropped to 1-1.