By Ardyn Gonzales
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles earned the last spot in the Final Four after sweeping the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-20, 28-26, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After pocketing the first set, Ateneo was down 4-8 heading into the first technical time-out in the second frame. AC Miner single-handedly tied the match for the Blue Eagles, until they established a 16-12 advantage through the efforts of Erika Raagas and Vanie Gandler.
Ateneo was already at set point 24-21, but the Lady Falcons made a 5-0 run to steal the lead. After exchanging a series of points, Gandler once again put the Blue Eagles at set point with a smart drop, followed by a gift at the net for Miner. Ateneo tallied a whopping 23 attacks in just the second set alone.
The Lady Falcons fought hard in the third set to possibly extend the match, forcing a 22-all deadlock. But Ateneo responded with three consecutive points with Miner scoring the last two markers to complete the sweep.
Nisperos led all scorers with 22 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces. Miner finished with another outstanding performance with 16 points, while Gandler chipped in 12 markers.
After an impressive performance in their game against La Salle, Trisha Genesis was held down to just 13 points, while the rest of the team struggled with their offense.
The defending champions officially entered the Final Four to have a chance to defend their championship title. They will face their co-finalist last season UST in the first round of the stepladder semi-finals.
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