Blue Eagles get back at Golden Tigresses

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Ateneo got back at rival Santo Tomas, pulling off a 25-20, 25-20, 25-20 statement victory to stay in playoff contention in the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament at the MOA Arena.

Faith Nisperos soared high with 18 points on 15 attacks plus seven excellent receptions as the Blue Eagles moved to 5-5 at No. 5 behind fourth-running Adamson (6-4) with still four games to spare in the elims.

Vanie Gandler (12) and Joan Narit (11) backstopped Nisperos in offense with Jaja Maraguinot setting the table with 16 excellent sets for Ateneo, which also snapped the Golden Tigresses’ four-game streak.

“We prepared for this and then nag-manifest sa kilos ng mga bata,” said coach Oliver Almadro as Ateneo avenged its 19-25, 21-25, 31-29, 31-33 loss to Santo Tomas in the first round.

Later, Adamson strengthened its place in the Final Four picture after smothering Far Eastern U, 25-17, 25-17, 25-16, to improve to 6-4.

Trisha Genesis (14), May Ann Nique (12), Rizza Cruz (11) and Kate Santiago (11) led a scattered attack for the Lady Falcons, who maintained some space from Ateneo approaching the tailend of the elims.

Eya Laure (14) was the lone bright spot for Santo Tomas, which stayed at No. 2 with a 7-3 card while Chen Tagaod had a similar output in FEU’s ninth loss in 10 outings.