By Ardyn Gonzales
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles opened their second round campaign with five-set escape over University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 30-32, 16-14, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After losing the highly contested fourth set, the Blue Eagles were already on their way to claiming the win as they established an 11-7 lead. However, a sudden 7-1 run was unleashed by the Fighting Maroons to snatch the lead and reach match point first, 14-12.
But Ateneo fought their way back all thanks to back-to-back clutch attacks by Zey Pacia to force a deuce.
Tied at 14-all, the Blue Eagles and Fighting Maroons engaged attacks in a long rally which ended via an unforced error from UP. Fatigue seemed to have kicked in for the Fighting Maroons as they committed another error which surrendered the victory back to Ateneo.
Five players of Ateneo finished the game in double digits with team captain Lyann de Guzman leading the way with 25 points, 14 excellent digs, and 17 excellent receptions. AC Miner added 19 markers, while Pacia who came out clutch in the fifth set also chipped in 13.
Ateneo extended their long winning streak against UP and claimed their first back-to-back victories this season.
Meanwhile, five players of UP also produced double-digit scores led by Nina Ytang’s 24-point output.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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