MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles bagged the 2022 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge title after a 25-12, 25-22, 25-12 sweep of Adamson University Lady Falcons in Game 2 of the finale on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Faith Nisperos, who was named the Finals Most Valuable Player, took charge with 15 points on 11 attacks and four service aces for the Blue Eagles, which finished the championship series at 2-0.
Lyann De Guzman had a complete game with 11 points, six excellent digs, and five excellent receptions while Vanessa Gandler put up eight markers as well for the Blue Eagles.
“I’m happy but of course hindi pa ito ‘yung end goal. Our dream is to win the finals or to reach the top three of the UAAP. Hopefully, the Lord will lead us there,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
“We also thank the V-League kasi they’re having this para ma-hone ‘yung skills namin, ‘yung character namin, and of course ‘yung cohesiveness ng bawat team dito heading into UAAP,” he added.
The Blue Eagles raced to an 11-3 lead to start the third set before leading by as much as 11 points, 22-11, after Antonette Adolfo’s attack went out. De Guzman kick-started a 3-0 spurt to finish off the match.
No player reached double digits in scoring for the Lady Falcons with Ayesho Fuegos scoring seven points off the bench. Riza Cruz had five in the loss while Adolfo and Kate Santiago had four markers each.
In the men’s action, University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers lived to fight another day with a come-from-behind 21-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-12 stunner of National University Bulldogs in Game 2 of their finals.
Rookies Josh Ybañez and Gboy De Vega played like veterans for the Tiger Spikers with the former unloading 25 points on top of 19 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions and the latter dropping 24 points he spiked with 15 receptions.
Dux Yambao also played a crucial role in the Tiger Spikers’ upset win with 20 excellent sets on top of eight points built on five attacks, two kill blocks and an ace. The two squads will dispute in do-or-die Game 3 on Friday./PN
