NU still on a roll, Ateneo destroys UST in 2nd round

NU's Jocelyn Soliven (no. 10) sets up Ria Sante for a spike.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The National University Lady Bulldogs weren't fazed when they fell to the UST Tigresses a couple of weeks ago. In fact, it was more of a motivation for them as they faced the struggling UP Lady Maroons -- the team that desperately needs a win for a boost of confidence in the second round. UP Coach Vip Isada isn't exactly optimistic on his team's chances against NU.

Carmina Aganon of the Lady Bulldogs on the attack.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Playmakers: Southlyn Ramos (no. 17) and Mela Lopez (no. 18) of UP stays focused on the game.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Lady Bulldogs took the first 2 sets with no problems at all but in the 3rd set, the Lady Maroons came fighting back -- literally. It was their strongest set yet and what a dominant performance it was for UP's veteran players Mela Lopez and Angeline Araneta.

UP scores off NU's woeful play.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Lady Maroons celebrate after scoring a point.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It all seemed to be comeback surge for the Lady Maroons in the 4th set. UP had a sizeable lead in the set but the unforced errors hindered them from forcing a 5th and deciding set. The Lady Bulldogs took advantage of the situation and finally vanquished the Lady Maroons 3 sets to 1.

South Ramos getting ready to serve.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Need a hand? Joyce Palad helps her teammate South Ramos up.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The National University Lady Bulldogs celebrate their win.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Maricar Nepomuceno was the best scorer of the game with 17 points (14 attacks, 7 digs) for the Lady Bulldogs.

NU -- 3 UP -- 1

12-25, 17-25, 25-14, 23-25

The UST Tigresses getting ready for their game against the Ateneo Lady Eagles.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With their loss to the unbeaten DLSU Lady Archers last week -- a rematch of season 72's championship match -- the UST Tigresses look to erase that memory against the Ateneo Lady Eagles.

Gretchen Ho is ballin'.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Ateneo were off to a good start having defeated FEU in their last game. They lost to UST in the first round and getting a win on the defending champs would up their standings. Tigresses Coach Shaq Delos Santos wasn't about to let his team suffer the same fate on Saturday. He's hoping Aiza Maizo's back is well enough to play the entire game.

The Lady Eagles gather around after getting a score off their attack.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

UST drew first blood early in the first set. It's as if they had their confidence back until Ateneo's defense came into play. It didn't take long for the Tigresses to lose their momentum. Midori Hirotsuji was still feeling the jitters from their loss against the Lady Archers. She made a lot of service errors was sent to bench afterward.

Push ups anyone? Dzi Gervacio doesn't think otherwise.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It went back and fourth until Ateneo reached the 20 point mark. UST tried to keep it close despite Aiza Maizo's attacking dominance but Ateneo prevailed in the first set.

Maria Carmina Acevedo of Ateneo in attack mode.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Same story in the second set, this time Fille Cainglet was penetrating UST's defense. The unforced errors kept racking up for the Tigresses. Clearly, the Lady Eagles were eyeing to do a similar performance like the DLSU Lady Archers did. Soon enough, it was 2-0 favoring Ateneo.

Bea Pascual prepares for a serve.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Looks like Coach Shaq's green nightmare would come back to haunt him. It was all up to Aiza Maizo yet again to lift her team in the 3rd set. She was in great shape, no sign of any back spasm at all. She was ready to rumble.

Victorious: The Lady Eagles celebrate their win against the Tigresses.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Similar back and fourth action like the first set. Maizo of UST and Cainglet of Ateneo were exhanging attacks on each other. It sure looked like a one on one basketball game.

Player of the Game: Fille Cainglet of Ateneo answers a few questions from an ABS-CBN courtside reporter.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

At the end of the day and smoke is cleared, the lightning struck twice for the defending champs. Ateneo swept UST 3 sets to nil. The Tigresses are now 6-2 in the second round of the tournament. Aiza Maizo finished with 14 points for UST.

Ateneo's Fille Cainglet was named Player of the Game with 15 points (13 attacks).

Ateneo -- 3 UST -- 0

23-25, 14-25, 20-25


Men's Volleyball Results

1st Game:

Ateneo -- 3 NU -- 1

16-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-27

2nd Game:

UST -- 3 UP -- 0

21-25, 19-25, 26-28