MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and Adamson University Lady Falcons set up a championship showdown in the 2022 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge after disposing of their semifinals foes on Sunday night at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Blue Eagles put on a decent showing from start to finish as they swept University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20, to clinch the first championship seat.
Lyann De Guzman spearheaded the offense for the Blue Eagles with 15 points built on 13 attacks while Alexa Miner and Faith Nisperos chipped in 12 and 11 markers.
Vanessa Gandler had an all-around game, contributing 10 points, 10 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs in the victory. Taks Fujimoto dished out 16 excellent sets to go along with two points and Roma Doromal collected nine receptions and eight digs.
“It may not be a perfect run but I’m happy na may resiliency yung team and I’m happy na nagpe-perform yung mga leaders and yung mga kinukuha sa bench knows their roles,” said Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro.
The Lady Falcons overcame a slow start to bring down reigning NCAA champions College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16, in a battle of two teams that were mentored by head coach Jerry Yee.
Kate Santiago took charge with 16 points on 13 attacks, two aces and a block while Ayesha Juegos came off the bench to fire 13 markers for the Lady Falcons, which came from a bronze medal finish in the Shakey’s Super League last Saturday.
Lucille Almonte had near triple-double numbers of 11 points along with 19 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs while Lorene Toring added two blocks for 10 points for the Lady Falcons.
“Slow start nung first set pero ganun talaga, memorize kasi nilang pareho yung isa’t isa kasi lagi silang mag-kalaro so ganun talaga kapag nagkakabasahan, nagma-matter na lang kung sino yung may gusto,” said Adamson assistant coach Rald Ricafort.
The Lady Falcons and the Lady Eagles dispute the crown on November 27 starting at 1 p.m., also at the Paco venue. The Fighting Maroons and the Lady Falcons will also vie for the third place trophy on the same day./PN
