UP sends Ateneo to 2nd straight loss in 4 sets

MANILA, Philippines – After looking unbeatable for nearly two years, the Ateneo Lady Eagles suddenly seem vulnerable. The UP Lady Maroons, meanwhile, are officially on a tear. 

University of the Philippines took down the defending champions in 4 sets, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, on Sunday, March 6, at the San Juan Arena.

After falling in the first period, a more aggressive UP side scored on more attacks and capitalized on errors by Ateneo to take the next 3 and beat the Lady Eagles for the first time since January 17, 2007.

The Lady Maroons had 4 players score in double-figures, led by the 15 of Isa Molde. Diana Carlos and Nicole Tiamzon scored 12 each, while Kathy Bersola, the team captain, posted 10.

Alyssa Valdez registered 19 points for Ateneo, while Jhoanna Maraguinot posted 15.

After the Lady Eagles won the first set, the Lady Maroons raced off to a quick start in set two by going up 18-10. Ateneo rallied and got within 23-22 at one point, but an error by the Lady Eagles and kill from Marian Buitre sealed the set for UP.

UP again built a lead, 20-13, in set 3 thanks to better attacking and errors by Ateneo, which committed a total of 35 for the game. The Maroons eventually took the set thanks to Buitre’s service ace and a Maraguinot net error.

Ateneo again let UP get ahead in set 4 as the Lady Maroons established a 15-10 lead following a conversion by Tiamzon.

The lead went up to 24-18 following a service error by Valdez, but Ateneo responded with 4 straight to make it a close affair. Molde, however, eventually sealed the win with a kill.

Ateneo falls to 6-2 with the loss, putting it in a tie with La Salle for the top spot in the league standing. UP, now in solo third, improved to 5-3. – Rappler.com