That's three wins in the last four matches for Ateneo.
The Holy Week seems to have provided a much-needed respite for the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles.
After suffering a straight-sets loss to the Adamson University Lady Falcons coming into the long weekend, coach Oliver Almadro's team bounced back and turned the tables on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. The volleybelles of Loyola scored a three-set victory against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22.
The win improves Ateneo's record to 4-6 and completes their eliminations sweep of their Katipunan neighbors.
"'Yung commitment all throughout, from start to finish, nama-maximize 'yung advantage namin," Almadro told the media after the game. "I guess nakuha nila 'yun, na-embody nila 'yung just focusing on their task to minimize unforced and unnecessary mistakes."
Faith Nisperos continued to be an unstoppable force for Ateneo with her 17 points coming off 17 attacks. But this time, the Blue Eagles had extra wind under their wings with Vanie Gandler's 9 points, Lyann De Guzman's 8 markers, and Joan Narit's and AC Miner's 5-point contributions.
"I keep on challenging them. They really have to step up," said Almadro. "Every game is an opportunity to step up."
"Alam niya [coach Almadro] na may ibubuga kami," De Guzman said in response to their mentor. "Andyan na 'yung skills eh."
While Ateneo has won three of their last four matches, the Blue Eagles are just about to face their roughest stretch yet.
They will take on the streak-busting University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses on April 15, the scrappy Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on April 19, the league-leading De La Salle Lady Spikers on April 23, and the defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs on April 29.
Almadro, though, is not throwing in the towel on their bid to return to the Final Four.
"People will say imposible na 'yan," he said. "But we believe in ourselves, we believe in our team, we believe in our community. We will step up, kung saan kami abutan."
"We will just do what is necessary," he added, shrugging. "Maybe we will be doing the impossible."
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)