V-League: Ateneo Lady Eagles snap back at Lady Bulldogs, take game one of Finals

After losing in a sweep during the quarterfinals to these same National University Lady Bulldogs, the Ateneo Lady Eagles earned a measure of revenge, with a three-set sweep of their own with the stakes raised, 25-15, 25-22, and 25-23, to move a game away from defending their first conference Shakey's V-League title, Thursday at the SM MOA Arena.

“I’m very proud of them; they played with a championship heart” said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb of his wards' effort.

Game one of the Finals kicked off with Ateneo surging early on, building a quick 9-2 lead in the first set. Ateneo had a change in their rotation as Amy Ahomiro took the place of Alyssa Valdez in the starting position.

Jeng Bualee and Rachel Daquis led the Lady Eagles' offense with off-speed attacks and cleanly -it spikes while Marge Tejada and Jem Ferrer were as consistent as ever to propel the Lady Eagles on top at 18-10.

With the Lady Bulldogs being overly aggressive, their errors piled up as the Lady Eagles capitalized on the situation to cruise to a 10-point win at 25-15.

The Lady Bulldogs started the second set better as they led by the first technical timeout at 8-6, care of Rubie De Leon’s well-placed shots. However, Ahomiro provided a great spark for Ateneo including a service ace that tied things up at 8-all.

With the Lady Eagles slowly gaining momentum, Alyssa Valdez was placed inside the court as Ateneo regained the advantage of the crowd. With Daquis in her usual groove, Ateneo was able to grab a one-point advantage at 17-16.

NU fought back, behind Aiko Urdas, but her efforts fell short with Valdez, Bualee and Daquis scoring consistently to grab the 25-22 win.

Urdas continued to score for NU, but the huge spark from Ahomiro was just too much and too unexpected. Every explosive spike and wall-like block of the Santiago sisters were countered by Ahomorio's defense, hustle and well-placed spikes.

Ateneo reached match point at 24-21, but NU crawled back closer at 24-23, threatening to force a fourth set. Fortunately for Ateneo, Daquis delivered down the stretch and let loose a block-piercing spike that lifted the Lady Eagles to a game one victory at 25-23.

Ateneo's Alyssa Valdez was named Best Server prior to this game, while Jeng Bualee was recognized as Best Receiver, for her efforts when she was still a guest player with the San Sebastian Lady Stags.

In this game though, it was about Bualee and Rachel Daquis, as the duo produced 14 points apiece. Valdez and Amy Ahomiro added six markers each.

Best scorer and regular season MVP Dindin Santiago was held to just seven points in this game, while it was Aiko Urdas who led the way for the Lady Bulldogs. Myla Pablo accounted for eight.

Game two between Ateneo and NU will be aired live on GMA News TV, starting at 12:45pm, after the battle for third between the UST Tigresses and the Adamson Lady Falcons. - CLP/AMD, GMA News