By Ardyn Gonzales
The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles pulled off an upset victory against the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ateneo came out prepared in the first two sets where they tallied 20 attacks in the first frame alone, easily building a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The Lady Eagles looked like they were pulling away with the victory in the third set, 20-12.
But not until Ayesha Juegos rotated in the service line and made Ateneo struggle with their reception, paving the way for Ishie Lalongisip to take charge in transition plays. They surprised the Lady Eagles with a 9-0 run to steal the lead. With momentum on their side, Adamson was able to force an extension.
It was a tight, crucial fourth set with a series of deadlock until the latter part of the match. Tied 21-all, Sobe Buena proved to be clutch down the stretch and scored consecutive attacks to fend off the Lady Falcons’ reverse-sweep attempt.
The new one-two punch of Ateneo Lyanne de Guzman and Buena finished with 22 points apiece, while AC Miner and Geezel Tsunashima also added 12 markers each. The victory gave the Lady Eagles their second win in six games.
On the other hand, Lalongisip, May Nuique, and Lucille Almonte all scored 11 points but it was not enough to stop Ateneo.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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