MANILA, Philippines — The Ateneo and De La Salle volleyball teams that took to the court on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena looked very different from the ones that contested the last five UAAP championships.
Indeed, when the dust settled, two players who did not at all figure in a game last season proved to be the stars for the Lady Eagles in their stunning 26-24, 26-24, 21-25, 25-17 victory over the Lady Spikers.
Michelle Morente, coming back from a one-season layoff due to academic issues, was all over the stat sheet with 25 points on 20 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, while adding 19 excellent digs and 12 successful receptions for her second triple-double of the season.
However, for third-year middle blocker Bea de Leon, it was their collective experience that gave the Lady Eagles an edge over their rivals, especially in the first and second sets when they saved several set points to come away with the victory.
"I think honestly, ang naging edge namin, mas marami kaming experience compared to their players," said De Leon, fondly called by Ateneo fans as 'BDL.'
"They are still a very well-oiled team, you can see it naman," she was quick to add.
Still, outside of star setter Kim Fajardo, libero Dawn Macandili, utility Kianna Dy, and middle blocker Majoy Baron, the Lady Spikers are a truly young squad.
Desiree Cheng has played in the UAAP before, but is working her way back from injury; open hitters such as Tin Tiamzon, May Luna, and Arriane Layug are seeing major minutes for the first time in their collegiate careers.
Though Morente missed the entirety of Season 78, she is still a veteran with two championship runs under her belt.
"Mich is coming back, but her experience from the championships were so solid," said De Leon. "I think, 'yun lang naman."
"And I think, during the first set, if you remember, noong naging crucial at nagdidikitan, that's when they committed the errors," she pointed out.
Ateneo's rally in the first set started with a Fajardo service error, and was capped by an attack error from La Salle. In the second set, it was their service reception that fell apart; the Lady Eagles clinched their rally through an ace by Kim Gequillana.
"I think it was the experience that it boiled down to," said De Leon. "Kaya rin kami nakahabol, kasi we kept our composure."
Outside of Tolentino, nearly every player who played major minutes for Ateneo against La Salle has appeared in at least one finals series. Team captain Jia Morado, their setter, has been their primary playmaker in three consecutive finals appearances.
Assistant coach Sherwin Meneses commended the Ateneo players for how they managed to come back despite the huge deficit, and said they will build on their 6-1 standing as they head into the second round.
"Maganda 'yung first round standing namin," he said. "So sana, mag-continue hanggang second round at hanggang semis. Wala namang stop 'yung training, so aangat pa 'yung team."
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