Ateneo takes Game 1, ends La Salle's win streak

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles ended rival De La Salle Lady Spikers' perfect season after a four-set victory in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 74 women's volleyball finals Wednesday afternoon at The Arena in San Juan.

La Salle came into the finals with a thrice-to-beat advantage after a 14-game sweep of the elimination round, but the Lady Eagles outplayed them through four sets, 23-25, 28-26, 25-23 and 25-17.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles react after winning Game 1 against the De La Salle Lady
 Archers in UAAP season 74 womens volleyball finals.

Ateneo’s victory ended their nine-game losing streak to La Salle. It also ended the Lady Spikers’ 25-game winning streak dating back to January 8, 2011 and their 14-game winning streak in Season 74.

"Dahil nanalo kami this game, mabi-build up 'yung confidence namin," said Ateneo’s rookie star Alyssa Valdez after the game.

La Salle showed their championship poise in the first set as they raced to an early lead, while the Lady Eagles seemed nervous while making their first ever Finals appearance.

The Lady Spikers led 23-17 before a late rally by Ateneo, behind team captain Fille Cainglet and veteran Ailysse Nacachi. Attacking errors from La Salle allowed the Lady Eagles to come as close as 23-24, but Michelle Gumabao won the set for the Lady Spikers with a cross-court attack.

Read full story here By Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBNNews.com

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