Having played their worst game of the season, the National University Lady Bulldogs aim to bounce back from their loss to UST last week. In Blue Eagle land, Ateneo has been on a roll. A win against NU would propel them in 3rd place in the team standings.
As expected, the Lady Bulldogs gave the Lady Eagles a run for their money in the first set. Ria Sante and Maricar Nepomuceno were at their best, got a scoring surge before Ateneo completely took over and sealed set number 1. The Lady Eagles' Fille Cainglet was obviusly getting warmed up.
The second set kind of looked like a repeat performance of their woeful 3rd set play against the Tigresses a week ago. Ateneo easily got the second set win.
NU would start fighting back in set 3. The Lady Bulldogs brought the same kind of energy like they had in the 1st set and tried to keep the game close but Ateneo would hold on to sweep their opponents 3 sets to nil. Maricar Nepomuceno of NU finished with 16 points.
The Lady Eagles are now seeded 3rd in the tournament standings.
Ateneo's Fille Cainglet got Shakey's Best Player of the Game plum chalking up 18 points (16 attacks).
Ateneo -- 3 NU -- 0
25-23, 25-14, 25-21
The struggling UP Fighting Lady Maroons have a tough assignment in their hands. They face the defending champs UST on Sunday. It hasn't been easy for Mela Lopez and Co. as getting a W seemed like a long shot. Of course, a win on the Tigress would surely mean a lot.
The Tigresses ended their losing skid in stride last week. Despite getting that much needed win against NU, the concern is on one Aiza Maizo. She's still hampered by back spasms for a while now. Maizo knows the risk of playing with an injury. Having played a few 5-setters -- including that grueling game against NU a couple of weeks ago -- have taken a toll on her health. Nevertheless, her teammates need to step up to the plate as they can't rely on Maizo a whole lot. The Tigresses surely expected to get an easy win against the Lady Maroons -- or so they thought.
UST found out how UP was determined to get their first win the second round. Despite the Tigresses strong plays early in the game, the Lady Maroons brought the fight back, literally and surprised the defending champs to take the first set.
Soon enough, the UP started struggling in the second set. The Tigresses easily tied up the game at 1-1
The Tigresses were looking to get a 2-1 lead over the Lady Maroons but they weren't about to give up on them that easily. UP surprised UST yet again and took the 3rd set despite Coach Shaq Delos Santos' adjustments on UST plays. The Tigresses would continue to make the same plays until they a scored the 4th set equalizer and forced a 5th and deciding set.
UST has perhaps been getting into the habit of playing 5-setter games this season. While they are at their best and most dangerous in a winner take all set. Everybody knows that it only takes 15 points to win the 5th set HOWEVA, extending to 24 points -- who'da thunk it?!!
That's exactly what happened on Sunday afternoon as it was by far the longest, most exhausting yet exciting 5-setter of the season, in my humble opinion. It was all about pride and glory for both teams and pushed each other to the limit. When it was all said and done, the smoke was cleared, the UP Lady Fighting Maroons finally got a win in the second round since opening weekend a few months ago.
Props to both teams for giving it their all. Aiza Maiza of UST finished with 17 points and 2 service aces while teammate Maika Ortiz played her best game scoring 18 points (15 attacks and 2 service aces).
It's a no brainer on who the Shakey's Best Player of the Game is -- UP's Mela Lopez deserves the award scoring 20 points (16 attacks and 3 service aces). Her teammate Angeli Araneta contributed with 15 points.
UP -- 3 UST -- 2
25-23, 13-25, 25-23, 25-20, 24-22
Men's Volleyball Results
1st Game:
AdU -- 3 UP -- 1
25-16, 20-25, 25-17, 23-25
2nd Game:
UST -- 3 NU -- 0
25-23, 25-21, 25-16
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