ATENEO put to rest the haunting memory of a surprising first-round defeat by defeating University of the East, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16 in a battle of also-rans in UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
Senior libero-captain Roma Doromal took over for the Blue Eagles with a double-double of 23 digs and 23 receptions for their 22nd victory in their last 23 meetings with the Lady Warriors dating back to Season 73 in 2011.
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"Our target this enitre time was to get to top four. But now, I think we have no more chance to stay in the top four but we need to fight for the best position. This match is so important because we have 10 points and UE has 10, (also Adamson).
"It’s on us to take care of our job. We need more points to stay in this position (fifth place). I’m happy because after our last match (versus National University), we played with a high level and intensity," said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso.
Bar a late second-set slip-up, Ateneo seized control from the get-go and all the way to the end with a 9-1 run to end the match and four Blue Eagles in double figures led by ace spiker Lyann de Guzman's 25 points built on 21 attacks, three blocks and one ace.
Zel Tsunashima (18 points), Sobe Buena (13 points) and AC Miner (12 points) were all vital in Ateneo's cause, ending a string of back-to-back defeats to now-Final Four bound teams NU and Far Eastern University.
Meanwhile, UE extended its run of losses this season to three and absorbed its ninth defeat in ten matches.
Result aside, it was another day at the office for UE rookie hotshot Casiey Dongallo with 27 points, 14 receptions and eight digs in their third straight loss of the second round.
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