MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University continues its winning ways after it pummeled University of Santo Tomas, 27-25, 25-16, 25-17, to draw first blood in the semifinals of the Shakey's V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Saturday, September 12 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Middle blocker Bea de Leon exploded for a game-high 16 points built on a balanced offensive-defensive performance of 8 attacks and 8 blocks.
Captain Alyssa Valdez finished with 15 points while Amy Ahomiro added 10 as the Lady Eagles moved a win away from the finals. The semis is a best-of-3 affair with the Tigresses.
The back-to-back UAAP women's volleyball champions remain undefeated this conference.
UST put up a strong fight in the first set, leading by 9-5 early on before Ateneo charged back and took a 17-12 lead. The Tigresses had a prime opportunity to go up 1-nil with a 23-21 advantage but the Lady Eagles recovered and eked out the victory, 27-25, and never allowed UST to come close after that.
No UST volleybelle made it to double figures with EJ Laure scoring 9 points and Marivic Meneses adding 7.
Captain Pam Lastimosa had just 4 points while Mela Tunay had a scoreless outing.
Game 2 of this semifinals bracket is set for Sunday, September 13. — Rappler.com