Ateneo makes it a season sweep over the UP Fighting Maroons after surviving a neck-and-neck five setter as the Blue Eagles also record their first winning streak of UAAP Season 87.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles are now on a win streak after beating the UP Fighting Maroons in a grueling five-setter, 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 30-32, 16-14, in the second round of UAAP Season 87 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.
After a 42-minute extended fourth set, Ateneo survived a scorching 7-1 run by the UP Fighting Maroons where the Diliman-based team were the first to reach match point at 14-12, thanks to a Nina Ytang quick.
But Zey Pacia stood unfazed and scored back-to-back points to reach a deadlock, 14-all.
UP then committed errors in the next two rallies to gift the win to the Blue Eagles. Late-game drama ensued when the Fighting Maroons attempted to challenge an outside call at match point for Ateneo.
However, the video challenge system found that Yesha Noceja’s return was outside of the antenna, deeming it outside.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles thus made it 11 straight wins over the Fighting Maroons dating back to UAAP Season 81.
Lyann De Guzman paced Ateneo in the win, which improved their record to 3-5 with 25 points, 14 excellent digs, and 17 excellent receptions.
AC Miner added 19 points and 10 excellent digs.
Ytang, for her part, led the Fighting Maroons with 24 points. UP is also at 3-5 with the loss.