Lady Warriors shock Lady Eagles in UAAP volleyball bash

Don’t count the University of the East spikers out this time. The Lady Warriors needed five grueling sets in posting a 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-13 upset win over Ateneo in the UAAP volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City Sunday.

Jimberly Dawn Dizon shattered the last deadlock with a down-the-line kill against the defense of Angeline Gervacio and Gretchen Ho in the deciding set to give the Lady Warriors the go-ahead point. Dizon’s booming kill forced Ho to commit a net violation as the Lady Warriors, last season’s tailender in the UAAP, claimed the victory. After losing the opening frame, the Lady Warriors, led by Dizon and team skipper Mary Cristel Rosale, combined forces to trigger their team’s comeback. Drawing inspiration from these two players, UE won the next two sets. Behind Fille Cainglet and Cara Acevedo, Ateneo fought back to secure the fourth set and set up the deciding, shorter fifth set. Gervacio gave the Lady Eagles their last taste of the lead with a kill to make it 11-10. But the Lady Warriors came up with crucial plays. They were able to capitalize on their rivals’ next two errors that sandwiched Dizon’s kill to grab the upper hand, 13-11. “Gaya nga ng sinabi ko nung presscon natin, lahat ng teams gusto mag-Number 1. At nakikita ko naman sa mga bata sa training nila na makakaya nilang manalo, kaya hindi na rin ako nagtaka na natalo namin ang Ateneo," said UE Coach Vangie de Jesus. Rosale topscored for the Lady Warriors with 25 points, including 22 hits and two aces, while Dizon chipped in 18 hits and two blocks. The Lady Eagles, who dropped to 1-2, were led by Cainglet’s 17 points. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV