Off-Topic: Ateneo Lady Eagles bag their first Shakey's V-League crown!

The Lady Eagles celebrate a point
in their Game 1 win
(image by Taj Chupungco/Shakeys V-League)

The Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles notched their first ever volleyball title by beating the Adamson Lady Falcons, 24-26, 25-18, 25-22, 19-25, 15-11 yesterday amidst a packed crowd at The Arena in San Juan.

Ateneo swept its UAAP nemesis, 2-0, in the series.

Charo Soriano gets the customary coach's ride
after steering Ateneo to the title
(image by August Dela Cruz/Spikeithard.com)

Charo Soriano, herself a former Ateneo volleybelle, became the youngest coach to bag the crown.

"This is what we're waiting for to give back to our school," she said after the game.

Lady Eagle Alyssa Valdez, a recruit from UST-HS and prospective star in Season 74, combined with Thai import Lithawat Kesinee to continuously pound the Adamson defense.

On the other side, The Lady Falcons were led by super-spiker Nene Bautista who finished with 28 points.

AdMU darling Fille Cainglet, who was named Most Improved Player a few days ago, also gave a good account of herself with 18 points. Meanwhile, fellow incoming Senior Jem Ferrer was named Finals MVP.

This should be a harbinger of things to come in the UAAP wars, as the Lady Eagles prepare for another serious run at the elusive volleyball diadem. Valdez is supposed to play this year after sitting out last year when her HS alma mater didn't allow her to play due to her transfer.

Even without Bea Pascual, who has played out her eligibility, Ateneo still looks strong with the core of Cainglet, Ferrer, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Kara Acevedo, Aerieal Patnongon and Valdez. Coach Roger Gorayeb must be beaming at the possibilities! :)

One BIG Fight! :)

Scores by set: 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20.