SSL: Ateneo conquers UE, moves to battle for 5th
2024-Nov-10 17:00
LEAP OF FAITH. Ateneo's Lyann De Guzman (No. 16) tries to score against University of the East's Riza Nogales (left) and Mary Christine Ecalla (No. 3) during the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Saturday (Nov. 9, 2024). The Blue Eagles won, 25-21, 25-17, 25-22, to advance to the battle for fifth against College of Saint Benilde. (PNA/SSL)
MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University pulled off a 25-21, 25-17, 25-22 victory over University of the East in the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship classification round Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Ateneo thus arranged a duel for fifth place against College of Saint Benilde on Nov. 16.
Wing spikers Geezel Tsunashima and Lyann De Guzman scored 11 and 10 points, respectively as the Blue Eagles claimed victory after one hour and 35 minutes.
Middle blocker Alexis Miner and wing spiker Faye Nisperos chipped in seven points each, while Sophia Buena and Jennifer Santos added six points apiece for Ateneo.
"I think this classification is about proving ourselves, proving that we can fight even though it's not the championship. But along the way we learn and I know we can show coach Sergio's (Veloso) system," Takako Fujimoto, who had three points and 12 excellent sets, said after the match.
Wing spiker Casiey Dongallo led the Lady Warriors with 10 points; opposite hitter Jelaica Gajero had five attacks and two blocks; and KC Cepada added seven attacks for UE, which will face University of the Philippines in the battle for seventh place.
Middle blocker Riza Nogales scored five points, including two consecutive blocks that tied the score at 19-all in the third set.
The Blue Eagles rallied back to make it 24-20, but they also committed two consecutive errors that allowed the Lady Warriors to move closer.
Tsunashima then soared for a powerful crosscourt spike to wrap up the match. (PNA)