Ateneo snaps La Salle's 30-game streak, takes Game 1

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University lived up to its motto “hearts strong” as it shocked the four-peat seeking De La Salle University, 17-25, 25-23, 25-13, 25-20, in the Game 1 of the UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball finals.

The Lady Eagles rode on their three-game winning streak and poured their hearts out to halt the 30-game dominance of the Lady Archers since season 75, including 14 this period.

“Sobrang saya kasi yung hard work namin nag-pay off,” said rookie Michelle Morente who led her squad with 16 markers.

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“Sabi nga ni coach heart strong, talagang kumapit lang kami hindi kami bumitaw,” she added.

The Lady Eagles banked on the momentum they got after hurdling three do-or-die games to reach the finals once more and exploited the 18-day break of the Lady Archers.

Usual suspect Alyssa Valdez finished with 16 markers, while big revelation Amy Ahomiro and Ella De Jesus added 16 and 12 points apiece for the Lady Eagles.

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The Katipunan-based squad held La Salle to its lowest output this season with 13 in the penultimate set, after a pull away by Ateneo, 21-10.

But Ateneo can’t celebrate yet due to the thrice-to-beat advantage of La Salle, an incentive after sweeping the double round eliminations.

The series became virtually tied as both teams need to win two games to clinch the title.