MANILA – Roma Mae Doromal had a solid defensive outing as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles edged University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Iloilo City-native Doromal finished with 23 excellent digs and 23 excellent receptions as the Blue Eagles improved to a 4-8 win-loss slate, matching their win total from last season.
With the Blue Eagles already out of Final Four contention, Doromal has urged her teammates to cherish their remaining games this season and give their best for the Ateneo community.
“Inaccept namin (na wala ng pag-asa sa Final Four) and sinabi ko sa kanila na i-cherish na lang namin ‘yung moment na magkakasama kami and give ‘yung best namin for the Ateneo community,” said Doromal.
Lyann De Guzman showed the way for Ateneo with 25 points on 21 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace; Geezel Tsunashima added 18 points; and Sobe Buena and Alexa Miner also produced 13 and 12 points, respectively.
“There’s no more chance to be in the top four, but we need to fight for the best position,” said Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso as his squad exacted their first-round defeat to the Lady Warriors.
Casiey Dongallo finished with 27 points, while Khy Cepada and Riza Nogales had nine and seven points, respectively, as the Lady Warriors dropped their third straight game to fall to 2-9, still at seventh.
Meanwhile, National University Lady Bulldogs pounced on the absence of De La Salle University Lady Spikers’ Negrense star Angel Canino to score a 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win.
Evangeline Alinsug stepped up with 22 points, on 20 attacks, one block, and a service ace, to go with 10 excellent digs as the Lady Bulldogs tied the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses with a 10-2 win-loss slate.
Mhicaela Belen finished with 14 points, 14 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs, while Alyssa Solomon finished with 13 points for NU, which is on a five-game winning run in the second round of eliminations./PN
