After struggling against fellow NCAA contenders College of Saint Benilde, Mapua University, and Perpetual, the Blue Eagles finally found their rhythm against the Lady Chiefs, a team from the Grand Old League.
The victory was a much-needed boost that kept Ateneo from falling to the brink of elimination in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Zey Pacia led the charge with an all-around performance, scoring 23 points built on 22 attacks and one ace, while also contributing five excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
With her efforts, Ateneo improved to a 1-3 record, tying Arellano, which absorbed its third straight defeat.
“In the collegiate level, hard work is not enough. You need to play smart all the time,” said Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso. “Sometimes we lost nine points because our service and attacks were good, but the players showed today that they can bounce back. They need to know how to play in different situations, and today, most of them played smart.”
In the decisive fourth set, Ateneo broke the frame wide open with three Ysa Nisperos attacks and three costly errors from Arellano, giving the Blue Eagles an 18-13 cushion.
A swipe by sophomore middle blocker Jihan Chuatico, an attack miscue by Crisanta Servidad, and a down-the-line kill from Pacia sealed the win and snapped Ateneo’s skid.
The Blue Eagles also showed resilience in the third set, clawing back from a 6-11 deficit with a 12-6 run.
The stretch was highlighted by a Nisperos down-the-line kill, an Arellano error, and two clutch hits from Pacia, allowing Ateneo to grab a pivotal 2-1 set lead.
Supporting Pacia’s stellar outing, Alex Montoro chipped in 10 points and seven excellent digs, while Nisperos contributed nine points.
Robi Silla added eight points on four attacks and four aces, while Chuatico finished with five points from four attacks and one block.
The Blue Eagles will try to sustain their momentum when they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights on Saturday, September 6, still at the Paco Arena.
For Arellano, Marianne Padillon and Servidad each tallied 12 points, while Fhaye Mangubat added nine markers in the loss.
The Lady Chiefs, now reeling from three straight defeats, will attempt to bounce back against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on the same date and venue.
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