Ateneo gets twice-to-beat edge, forces UST to the brink in women’s volley

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo got the job done and pushed University of Santo Tomas to the brink of elimination 28-26, 25-15, 25-22 Sunday in the UAAP season 75 women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Eagles, though, had to overcome a nine-point deficit in the third set and needed to hold the Tigresses spell bound before clinching the other twice-to-beat edge in the final four.

After hitting a snag early in the second round, the Lady Eagles still finished number two behind La Salle with a 10-4 record in the eliminations.

The Tigresses, meanwhile, still have to battle National University anew to secure the last berth in the semifinals as they have a tied 8-6 card.

Alyssa Valdez dropped 23 big points while the rest of the Ateneo side had single digit outputs.

Head coach Roger Gorayeb, though, is convinced his squad needs to constantly improve and adjust in every in-game situation.

After a dominating second set, Ateneo saw a sudden drop in its reception and energy allowing UST to take a 6-15 lead.

“Paiba iba yung butas sa laro ,volleyball eh. Madami pa kaming dapat gawin  —  katulad nito, minsan maganda receive tapos bigla sumama nung third set.”

Ateneo went on a 15-5 run to seize the lead anew 21-20 and never relinquished the lead from there.

Only Judy Caballejo came alive on the attack for UST and doled out 14 points while Maika Ortiz, Carmela Tunay and Maru Banaticla were all held to lower nine points.