ATENEO wreaked havoc on its Katipunan rival University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Zel Tsunashima led the Blue Eagles’ ascent to their third win in nine games with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks.
The Fighting Maroons sunk further down the pack with a 1-9 (win-loss) card.
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"We hope na we stay consistent. In the UST game, we know na our level, and we hope na always namin yun mapakita. Coming into round two, I’m hoping na mas happy kami and mas aggressive talaga kami," said Tsunashima.
"Sa susunod na games, hopefully, mas maging aggressive pa nga kami at mas i-embrace pa yung system na ginagawa ni Coach Sergio (Veloso) and yung tinuturo niya samin. Hopefully, makuha talaga namin yung Final Four," added Ateneo libero-captain Roma Doromal who had 13 receptions and eight digs.
It took a reverse sweep in the first round for the Blue Eagles to dispatch their Katipunan neighbors. But Tsunashima & Co. wrote a different story in their rematch upon asserting their mastery of UP in a commanding one-hour, 24-minute contest.
Sobe Buena, who has been a threat on offense all-season long for Ateneo, fired 10 points on eight attacks and two aces in aid of Tsunashima's scoring takeover.
Meanwhile, reigning best middle blocker Niña Ytang's return after sitting out three straight games was spoiled by a one-sided loss which saw UP fire 21 errors with no Fighting Maroon in double figures -- led by Steph Bustrillo with eight markers.
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