Ateneo-Motolite survives AdU, reaches semis

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo-Motolite was tested to the limit by cellar-dwelling Adamson but toughened up at endgame to score a 25-23, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20 victory and book the first semis seat in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center Sunday.

The Lady Eagles blew a 13-7 lead in the fourth set as the Lady Falcons unleashed a furious 11-3 assault to turn things around and seize a 16-18 lead. 

But Ateneo-Motolite recovered its bearing at endgame, countering with a 9-2 closing tear anchored on Jules Samonte, Vanessa Gandler, Maddie Madayag and Bea de Leon to quickly bounce back from a stinging 24-26, 22-25, 16-25, loss to BanKo-Perlas last Saturday in Bulacan.

The Lady Eagles improved to 10-3 to advance while keeping the Lady Falcons winless in 10 games.

“We really have to manage the composure, resiliency and manage being aggressive no matter who we face,” said Ateneo-Motolite coach Oliver Almadro.

Madayag swung eight attacks, had four blocks and delivered three aces to lead the Lady Eagles with 15 points, Gandler turned in an all-around game of 12 points, 18 digs and 10 excellent receptions, Kat Tolentino scored 12 while De Leon added eight.

Meanwhile, Creamline scraped past Pocari Sweat-Air Force, 23-25, 25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 15-9, to boost its own semifinal bid over at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City.