Ateneo de Manila University snapped the second-ranked University of Sto. Tomas’ four-game winning streak, 25-20, 25-20, 25-20 in the UAAP Season 84 women's volleyball tournament, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Faith Nisperos dropped 18 points off 15 attacks along with seven excellent receptions while Vanie Gandler and Joan Narit chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Ateneo.
Jaja Maraguinot tossed 16 excellent sets while Roma Doromal and Dani Ravena took turns on the defensive end with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, respectively. Also providing the spark in the Blue Eagles’ surprising sweep is rookie middle blocker AC Miner, who ended up with eight points.
“Sabi lang namin sa isa’t isa we have to take this win home, pero indeed, they want to take this win home. We’re not looking at it na kailangan straight sets e, we just did our job,” said Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro on dealing the Golden Tigresses its first three-set loss.
With the Golden Tigresses tying the game at 18 in the third set, Miner and Nisperos spearheaded a 5-0 blast to take a 23-18 advantage. Eya Laure ended the drought for UST with a kill, but Nisperos answered right back on back-to-back possessions for the kill.
“We prepared for this, nag manifest naman sa mga kilos ng bata. May mga lapses pero nakakarecover right away. We don’t mind kung ilang sets, ‘di namin napansin na matatapos na pala in straight sets so we just grabbed it,” added Almadro.
A total of 12 players scored for the Golden Tigresses with Eya Laure leading the charge with 14 points along with 14 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Still, despite the loss, UST remained at the second spot with a 7-3 standing.
Ateneo will battle University of the East next on Thursday at 6:30 PM while UST looks to bounce back against De La Salle University at 12:30 PM. (Dennis Lachica, Sportsmanila Photojournalist)