[WATCH] UAAP Season 77: DLSU vs ADMU – February 18, 2015

In an adrenaline-pumping battle between the top two teams in the league, the AteneoLady Eagles erased the De La Salle Lady Spikers in four gruelling sets, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25, at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday night.

Jhoana Maraguinot was the unlikely hero of the game as she scored the final two points of the game to lead Ateneo to its 14th straight win. The unsung rookie had 10 points.

“Yung mga contribution ng team mates ko, kahit na hindi kami masyadong makascore, nakakatulong sa amin,” said Ateneo team captain Alyssa Valdez about Maraguinot’s moment. “Everyone contributed sa game at lahat ng parangal nila paid off.”

Valdez had 29 points and 2 blocks while Bea De Leon had 11 points and 3 blocks. In addition, Ella De Jesus had 8 points.

On the other hand, Ara Galang led DLSU with 20 points and 8 digs while Mika Reyes had 8 points and 4 blocks. In addition, Carol Cerveza chipped in 7 points and 2 blocks.

Every set was fought tooth and nail by both teams. Ateneo would jump out to an early lead but La Salle would find ways to come back.

ALSO WATCH: Ateneo Team Captain Alyssa Valdez, literal na pinakain ng bola ang isang La Salle player!

With a 20-all deadlock in the fourth set, Ateneo tried to go for the kill as Valdez and Maraguinot relentlessly attacked the DLSU defense which led to a 23-22 lead. However, La Salle answered back as they pulled a couple of crucial blocks on Valdez leading to a 24-all tie.

Ateneo would then take a 25-24 after a service error from DLSU’s Camille Cruz. With the win within reach, Ateneo suddenly committed a service error of their own as Jia Morado’s service went wide.

With the game up for grabs, Maraguinot would then nail the last two points forAteneo en route to their elimination round sweep.

“Ang confidence namin talaga it starts sa training,” added Valdez. “Kung maganda angtraining namin, lalabas talaga siya sa game. We’re just really playing and enjoying thegame.”

With this Ateneo win, a stepladder format will be followed as the other three Final Four-bound teams will look to win over the other. In addition, an elimination round sweep automatically gave Ateneo its 4th straight return to the Finals, including a thrice-to-beat advatange, since UAAP Season 74. This also marks the first time they have swept the elimination round since they entered the league.

The scores:

ATENEO (3) – Valdez 29, De Leon 11, Maraguinot 10, De Jesus 8, Ahomiro 6, Morado 4, Morente 3, Lazaro (L) 0.

LA SALLE (1) – Galang 20, Reyes 8, Cerveza 7, Demecillo 7, Baron 6, Fajardo 4, Dy 1, Soyud 1, Cheng 1, Ca. Cruz 0, Ci. Cruz (L) 0, Macandili (L)