ATENEO PULLS OFF STATEMENT WIN AGAINST ARCHRIVAL LA SALLE
By Ardyn Gonzales
4 March 2017
The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles continued its dominance, turning back the defending champion La Salle, 26-24, 26-24, 21-25, 25-17, to end the first round of the eliminations atop the standings in the UAAP season 79 women’s volleyball, Sunday, March 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It was the rematch of the Finals last season, but what made the match more interesting was the fact the both teams came into the game with 5-1 records and were fighting for solo first.
The first two sets were identical, La Salle leading in the latter part, before Ateneo would haunt them and eventually would snatch the sets.
Down by two sets, coach Ramil de Jesus adjusted in the third frame,fielding in May Luna and making setter Kim Fajardo a spiker to solve their problems in offense. It worked as they were finally able to close out the set in their pockets.
Ateneo was quick to recover in the fourth set, displaying their unstoppable offense led by Mich Morente and Kat Tolentino, which La Salle was not able to compensate.
Michelle Morente had another triple-double performance with 25 points, 19 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions. The rookie Kat Tolentino had season-high 18 points in her first Ateneo-La Salle match.
Four players were in double figures for La Salle, but it was not enough to get the win in the first round of the Ateneo-La Salle match.
Player of the Game: Kat Tolentino, 18 points (16 attacks, 2 blocks)
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