Ateneo stuns NU, forces playoff vs TIP for q’finals spot

Ateneo Lady Eagles. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo remained alive to contend for the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate title as it swept National University, 25-15, 27-25, 25-17, Saturday at San Juan Arena.

The Lady Eagles will face Technological Institute of the Philippines, the same team they beat in their opener, in the playoff for the final quarterfinal spot.

Lady Eagles team captain Mitch Morente sent Ateneo jubilation with a powerful down the line kill for their second straight win as they finished the preliminaries with a 2-2 record.

“We’re so happy kasi nakita namin sa loob ng court yung teamwork namin, and nagawa lahat ng pinaghirapan sa training,” said Morente who shrugged off any pressure the team may have going into a potential quarterfinal berth.

“Iniisip lang namin na wala talagang pressure… kaya habang nananalo pa kami go lang, laro lang kami, maging masaya sa loob ng court.”

Morente poured it all for the Lady Eagles as she finished with a game-high 20 points while Kim Gequillana added 12.

Jaja Santiago and Risa Sato led the Lady Bulldogs with 11 and 10 points, respectively.