MANILA, Philippines – A veteran Ateneo squad outlasted the NU Lady Bulldogs to force a winner-takes-all showdown for the last finals berth in the UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball tournament. The Lady Eagles, seeded third in the step-ladder semi-finals, overwhelmed the Lady Bulldogs in the opener but had to buck a second set meltdown. They proved to be the steadier team in the third and fourth sets. Three players scored in double-digits for Ateneo, with star Alyssa Valdez notching 29 points, Ella de Jesus adding 16, and rookie Michelle Morente coming up with 12 markers. The victory allowed Ateneo to stay alive in the Final Four, but NU, armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, will have another chance to claim the last Finals berth on Saturday. -- Mornings @ ANC, February 27, 2014.
