ATENEO SURVIVES LATE FEU RALLY, SET UP FINALS REMATCH AGAINST LA SALLE
By Ardyn Gonzales
23 April 2017
The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles are back in the Finals again for the sixth straight year after surpassing the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 25-22, 25-10, 16-25, 26-24, April 23, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Both teams pulled off early surprises, with Deanna Wong starting as the libero for Ateneo and Jerrili Malabanan starting in lieu of Chin Basas for FEU.
But with Jhoana Maraguinot now back for the Lady Eagles after resting for almost a month, they were able to dominate FEU in the first two sets.
FEU, led by graduating Remy Palma, refused to give up in the third frame as they capitalized on the unforced errors of Ateneo and the firepower of Bernadette Pons to extend the match.
The Lady Tamaraws showed tremendous effort in the fourth set, as they stole the lead from Ateneo, 21-20 after being down 17-20. The Lady Eagles quickly recovered, not allowing to have another five-setter duel with FEU, and won the next three points.
But the Lady Tamaraws responded with three straight points as well to arrive at set point. With Maraguinot getting checked for many times at the net, Jia Morado opted to go to Ana Gopico as they saved one set point.
FEU then committed a crucial attack error which allowed Ateneo to reach at match point, with Mich Morente gave Ateneo the winning point to get the match and the last slot in the Finals.
Morente led Ateneo with 16 points, with Maraguinot and De Leon combining for 26 markers. While Pons and Palma carried FEU with 14 and 12 points apiece.
For the straight consecutive season, Ateneo will go up against La Salle in the finals, and will have the chance to regain the championship they lost last year.
Player of the Game: Bea de Leon, 12 points (9 attacks and 3 blocks)
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