Volleyball: Ateneo sweeps UE to progress in Super League classification phase

Ateneo's Lyan De Guzman in action against UE in the classification phase of the 2024 Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship, November 9, 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Handout/SSLMANILA -- Ateneo de Manila University soared to victory after sweeping the University of the East in straight sets, 25-21, 25-17, 25-22 in Shakey's Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship classification round on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

With the victory, Ateneo is now set to play College of St. Benilde for fifth place on November 16.

The Blue Eagles jumped out to an early 8-2 run in the opening frame, as both teams exchanged several leads leading to a 17-all deadlock.

Strong net defense from Lyann de Guzman and back-to-back aces from setter Takako Fujimoto allowed Ateneo to close it out, 25-21.

In the second set, Jennifer Delos Santos found her rhythm and outsmarted the defenders from UE as they surged to a 16-10 lead.

Geezel Tsunashima also contributed to help Ateneo reach set point, 24-17, capped by the attack point of Rob Silla.

In the deciding frame, Ateneo were able to maintain their advantage, ending the set with a slim 25-22 win over UE. 

The Lady Warriors tried to counter the Blue Eagles' defensive strategy but their service errors and miscues allowed ADMU to maintain the lead and eventually bag the sets.

Casiey Dongallo continued to lead the charge for UE with seven points, while with four points apiece were KC Cepada, Jelaica Gajero, and Claire Castillo.

Fujimoto led the Lady Eagles with three points and 12 excellent sets, earning her MVP of the match honors.

More than the relief of winning, Fujimoto said that they are always reminded to be aggressive inside the court.

"Proving ourselves, proving na we can fight even though it is not the championship, but along the way we learn…and throughout this pre-season, we will just improve until UAAP season," she added.

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