SIXTH seed Ateneo toppled erstwhile co-leader PLDT, 25-18, 25-21, 28-26, on Sunday to snap a three-match skid in the Shakey's V-League Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
The Lady Eagles, who struggled in the eliminations and had scored wins only against also-rans University of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, came up with a huge win at the start of the six-team quarterfinals.
UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez said everything simply suddenly clicked.
“Nag-connect lang talaga kaming lahat ngayon, lahat kami naka-focus sa game and siguro right timing lang lahat,” said Ateneo skipper Valdez.
Valdez scored 26 points, while Amy Ahomiro added 10 for the Lady Eagles, who now hold a 1-5 card Records in the elimination round are carried over to the tournament’s second phase except for the results against PNP and UP.
While Thai coach Anusorn Bundit couldn’t explain how the Eagles managed to score the quick win over favored PLDT, it was Power Attackers coach Roger Gorayeb who came up with a simple analysis.
“Ang tatamad nila maglaro,” he said. “Doon mo nakita ang character ng dalawang team, ’yung Ateneo gustong manalo, samantalang sila (PLDT) parang ayaw manalo.”
Sue Roces made 13 points for PLDT, which dropped to third spot with a 4-2 record.
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