AT A GLANCE
The Blue Eagles snapped their four-game slide at the expense of the Fighting Maroons’ determined rally in the third to improve 2-5 in the standings.
Ateneo downed University of the Philippines with a 25-16, 25-20, 25-22 sweep to end its first round campaign in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Blue Eagles snapped their four-game slide at the expense of the Fighting Maroons’ determined rally in the third to improve 2-5 in the standings.
Vanie Gandler led the charge for Ateneo with 17 points off 13 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Faith Nisperos added 14.
Vanie Gandler delivers to help Ateneo end its four-game slide against UP. (UAAP Media)
After breaking out of a deadlock twice midway through the third set, all it took was Gandler and Nisperos’ three straight points to put away UP and seal the much-needed victory for Ateneo.
“We missed this feeling [of winning]. And we really hope that [it continues]. I thank the players for accepting the challenge to have a strong character in this game kung sino man ‘yong kalaban,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
Jewel Encarnacion was the lone bright spot for the Fighting Maroons with 11 built on 10 attacks and an ace as the rest of her teammates was limited to a single-digit showing.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fell 1-5 in the standings as they are set to meet the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, March 22 to wrap up the first part of the tournament.
