Lady Eagles gain first semis slot

Games today (Filoil Flying V Arena)

8 a.m. – UP vs UE (men)

10 a.m. – FEU vs DLSU (men)

2 p.m. – AdU vs UE (women)

4 p.m. – FEU vs UST (women)

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Ateneo secured the first twice-to-beat semifinals incentive, even as La Salle notched its seventh straight post-season stint in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The Lady Eagles committed fewer errors in a surprisingly easy 25-18, 25-18, 25-18 victory over University of the Philippines to remain perfect in 10 starts while the Lady Spikers overcame National University, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 27-25.

Ateneo is making its sixth straight Final Four appearance and the seventh in the last eight seasons. The Lady Eagles are also assured of finishing in the Top 2 after the eliminations for the third time in the last four years.

“Wow talaga!” said a jubilant Alyssa Valdez, who led the Lady Eagles with 20 points, including three service aces. “ It’s a nice feeling because of  the tight schedule and all the sacrifices we had to go through to reach the semis. It’s all worth it.”

 In men’s play, Ateneo (8-2) and Adamson (8-2) assured themselves of a playoff for a spot in the semifinals after prevailing over respective foes.

Reigning MVP Marck Espejo fired 26 hits as the Blue Eagles downed NU (7-3), 25-20, 25-16, 25-27, 25-16, while the Falcons defeated UST, 23-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-17, with Bryan Saraza scoring five of his 17 points from blocks and collected two digs.

Ateneo anchored its efficient attacking game on ace setter Jia Morado, who kept UP’s defense guessing with her different variations of orchestrating plays.

Morado delivered 30 excellent sets, and had eight points, including two service aces, and five digs for the Lady Eagles, who committed only 17 errors.

La Salle mentor Ramil de Jesus said he was satisfied  with his team’s accomplishment as it kept its Final Four streak alive.

“The Final 4 is everybody’s goal. We practiced ard not to place second or third but to finish first. We trained for that,”  said de Jesus, after his troops improved to 9-1.

Playing catch up most of the fourth set, the Lady Spikers avoided being dragged to a decider after the Lady Bulldogs’ 6-foot-4 Jaja Santiago’s spike went too strong for the match point moments after Ara Galang scored the go-ahead hit.