AHS vs DLSZ (3-2)

The Ateneo High School Football Team fought back from a 2-nil deficit to defeat DLSZ, 3-2. DLSZ scored early in the game, and despite Ateneo having numerous chances to equalize, the first half ended DLSZ 1 - ADMU 0. Ateneo continued to attack La Salle's defense in the 2nd half, but an error and a counter attack by DLSZ got them another goal to lead by 2. In football, a 2-0 lead in the 2nd half would usually mean the end of the game.

Carlos Monfort eludes his defenders.
He gave Ateneo their first goal that changed the course of the game. He also scored minutes later to seal the win for Ateneo.

All seemed lost for the boys in blue. Till Carlos Monfort freed himself from3 defenders giving him a clear view of the goal. He blasted it past the outstretched arm of the DLSZ goalie. DLSZ still up 2-1. Monfort's goal shifted the momentum in favor of the Ateneo and seemed to knock the steam out of DLSZ. A few minutes later another shot on goal ricocheted from the hands of the DLSZ goalie and Gino Clarino struck the ball into the back of the net. Game tied. A few minutes later, Monfort scores yet again to put the game away for good. Ateneo wins a classic come from behind win, 3-2. The win was important for Ateneo to keep up with league leading FEU. Their next game will be on Saturday, February 12, against UST.

Gino Clarino attacking the DLSZ defense.
Gino scored Ateneo's 2nd goal to tie the score at 2-all.

*Carlos Monfort is the son of legendary AHS PE Teacher and great soccer supporter Chris Monfort.

More photos here - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=270859&id=658821704
and here - http://www.fabilioh.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=88011

Mission Accomplished

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets demolished the UST Tiger Cubs, 76-59, to win their third straight UAAP Juniors championship. The Eaglets have entered the finals 5 straight years (they missed to enter the finals in 2005 thanks to UPIS) since 2006 and have won 4 out of 5 championships. It was clear from the very start that Ateneo was banking on that winning tradition to finally put the Tiger Cubs away for good.

UST started festivities with a put back by Kevin Ferrer. This was however the last time that UST would ever have a taste of the lead. The RP Youth trio of Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal and Paolo Romero immediately went to work as they answered back with a 10-3, Ateneo 10 UST 5. It was obvious that Jaypee Sarcia was sorely missed in the last game as he proved to be another option in UST's offense. Sarcia together with Kevin Ferrer and Ejay Corre kept the Tiger cubs close all through out the quarter. The periood ended with Chuck Dumrique a buzzer beating three pointer to push Ateneo ahead, 23-14.

Kiefer Ravena splits the Tiger Cub defense. Kiefer scored 24 points to lead all scorers.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 3 - Araneta Coliseum, September 19, 2010)

The second quarter saw Sarcia and company continually attack the Blue Eaglet defense. Jaypee opened the quarter with a three pointer to cut the lead to 6. The Eaglets however would score a 6-0 run that increased their lead to 12, 29-17. UST would trade baskets with Ateneo, but they could only cut the lead down to 10 by half time, Ateneo 35-UST 25.

Von Pessumal was hot from the outside today scoring a lot of his points off jump shots. Von scored 15 points for the Blue Eaglets.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 3 - Araneta Coliseum, September 19, 2010)

The third and fourth quarter were critical to the Eaglet campaign as no lead was safe against an offense minded team like UST. In any critical stage, one would rely on the veterans of their team to deliver. UST was able to cut the lead to 7 by the end of the third by scoring 22 points. However reliable veterans Kiefer, Von and Paolo scored a combined 19 points to keep the Tiger Cubs from gaining any kind of momentum entering the final quarter.

Paolo Romero with a lay-up off a pass. Paolo's inside presence was felt as he scored 14, mostly from inside the painted area.

(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 3 - Araneta Coliseum, September 19, 2010)

UST would threaten again in the fourth by cutting the lead down to 5 early in the period. However Kiefer Ravena showed why he was the leader of the Eaglets and Finals MVP. Kiefer would only score 4 more points in the period (he had already scored 20 points and would eventually lead all scorers with 24), however his nifty passes to Ateneo's big men in Paolo Romero and Jay Javelosa kept the Ateneo's offense going. Kiefer's assists produced a combined 7 points for Paolo and Jay to give the Eaglets a commanding 15 point lead midway through the fourth. Another scoring hero rose in the form of Chuck Dumrique. His fearless drives (some even against the much taller Keven Ferrer) kept the momentum on Ateneo's side. With the game out of reach, Lambert Tenorio finally put the proverbial nail in the coffin with a big three pointer to settle the final score at 76-59.

Chuck Dumrique drives and scores against MVP Kevin Ferrer. Chuck scored his highest output in the finals with 14 points.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 3 - Araneta Coliseum, September 19, 2010)

Ateneo played a masterful game from the start to finish. They played a great offensive game with 4 Ateneo seniors scoring in double digits (Ravena 24, Pessumal 15, Romero 14, Dumrique 14). Aside from that, they played solid defense as they also limited UST's big guns to score lower than their average output (Sarcia 17, Ferrer 13, Corre 9). The game was proof of how great this Eaglet team really is as they finally dominated a UST team that has been giving them headaches in the past. It was a perfect end to a near perfect season for the Blue Eaglets. 16 wins, 16 hearts, 3 championships, 1 Big Fight!

*For Kiefer, Paolo, Chuck and Von. Thank you for the three years (four for Kiefer) that you have played for the Ateneo. Good luck to you and the other Seniors in your careers after the Blue Eaglets and the AHS.

One Down...

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets won the second game of the Finals today at the Araneta Coliseum against the UST Tiger Cubs, 76-66. It was a big win for the Eaglets as they will only need to win one more game to win it all this Sunday. The Eaglets weren't the only ones prepared for the encounter, Fr. RB Hizon together with the Ateneo administration brought along all the seniors to watch and cheer their classmates who were playing on the court. And their presence made a definite impact on the Blue Eaglet's game.

Kiefer Ravena vs Kevin Ferrer. Kevin is sure to get the MVP trophy, but Kiefer is one game away from leading his team to the championship.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Picking up where they left off...

UST started the game waxing hot as they went on a 0-7 run topped off with a 3-pointer from their 2nd scoring option, EJ Corre. It was clear that UST wanted this game just as bad as the Ateneans as they would score in runs to counter every Ateneo basket. Towards the end of the quarter, UST even led by as much as 12, 8-20. A last ditch effort by Kiefer Ravena, Jay Sacluti and Gerard Austria salvaged the quarter and brought the lead down to single digits, 13-20 in favor of the Tiger Cubs.

The Comeback...

The second quarter saw the Eaglets slowly but surely hack at the UST lead. It started with a Von Pessumal lay in to start the period and a Lambert Tenorio three pointer. Though UST was still quick to respond to the threats of the Eaglets as they fought back with 6 points of their own to still lead it by 8, 18-26. Then Ateneo went on a 16-3 run capped by a great assist by Kiefer Ravena to a streaking Jay Javelosa and a booming three pointer by Kiefer Lim. Ateneo finally found themselves on top, 34-29. UST scored one more basket, but Ateneo matched this with a Kyle Suarez lay-in over the outstretched arms of Kevin Ferrer and a last second shot by Keifer to end the half, Ateneo 38 UST 31.

Kyle Suarez powers the ball to the hole over Kevin Ferrer. Kyle's lay up helped keep the Tiger Cubs at bay at the end of the first half.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Tigers Threaten...

UST opened the 3rd quarter with a three pointer. That seemed to bring the Tiger Cubs back to life as they were able to bring the lead down to 3 towards the end of the quarter. Corre continued to lead the offensive attacks of UST as Kevin Ferrer was feeling the defensive adjustments of the Eaglets. However, Kiefer Ravena wasn't going to allow the Tiger Cubs to gain any momentum going into the final period. He scored 13 of his 32 points in the third and even scored on a solo 5-2 run towards the end of the quarter to bring the lead back up to 5, 55-50.

Kiefer Ravena on a solo fast break. Kiefer scored 13 of his 32 points in the 3rd quarter to lead the Blue Eaglets in scoring.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

Regaining the Momentum...

The final period saw the Eaglets seize the momentum for good from the Tiger Cubs. Ateneo started hostilities with a quick basket from Von Pessumal and Kiefer Ravena that increased their lead to 9. UST sued for time and got to respond quickly with a three pointer. This was immediately answered by Marky Mercado with a three pointer of his own. A basket each from both teams brought the score to 64-57, Ateneo still in the lead.

All game long Ateneo played straight up, pressure defense on Kevin Ferrer. It was obviously affecting his game as he scored only 6 markers up to this point. Frustration must have been mounting inside him as in one play, he threw an elbow at Jay Sacluti that merited him an unsportsmanlike foul and two free throws for Jay. Jay may have missed both gift shots, but the bigger fish was caught. Kevin Ferrer frustrated, with only 6 points and his fourth personal foul.

That incident sparked a 7-0 run by the Eaglets increased their lead to 12, ADMU 69 - UST 57. That scoring run was highlighted by a three-man play between Kiefer Ravena, Jay Sacluti and Marky Mercado. Marky was streaking down the court on a fast break, then passed the ball behind his back to a waiting Kiefer who then shot a quick pass to Jay S. for the lay in. That play not only confused Kevin Ferrer who was the lone defender in the paint, but also finally silenced the Tiger Cubs for good. Ferrer would score a three pointer in the next play, but those proved to be his last as he finished the game with 9 points.

Mercado to Ravena to Sacluti. The pinpoint accurate passing of the Eaglets in this play gave them their biggest lead of the game at 12 points.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 2 - Araneta Coliseum, September 16, 2010)

With Ateneo comfortably ahead by 9 points and with less than three minutes left in the game, Coach Jamike sent in his shock troopers to finish. With baskets from Chuck Dumrique, Mio Puno and Marky Mercado, the 2nd team was able to maintain Ateneo's lead. The game ended with a score of 76-66. The Eaglets winning margin of 10 points, was the largest they have had all season long against UST. And if I remember correctly, the largest they have had including last year's elimination and Final Four matches.

The Eaglets are now one win away from winning their threepeat. UST now is faced with the task of beating Ateneo twice in a row. The next game will be critical for both teams. For UST, a win on Sunday would give them back momentum and a second chance at winning the trophy. For Ateneo, it is a matter of continuing the momentum they had regained. For the Eaglets, it is time to give it their all and finish off the Tiger Cubs.

One game down. One game to go. One Big Fight!

Lighting Strikes Anew...

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets lost their first game of the season today as they dropped game one of the finals to the title-hungry UST Tiger Cubs, 77-71. UST actually had history on their side. The Eaglets have swept the eliminations before, in 1999 when they were led by Larry Fonacier and in 2006 that had the likes of Mike Gamboa, Tonino Gonzaga and Bacon Austria to name a few. In both occasions, they went straight to the finals and lost game one at the same time. So far, lighting has stuck the Eaglets anew, not once, not twice, but a third time.

The championship atmosphere in the Filoil Arena was definitely felt. It reminded me of the last Ateneo-UST finals I saw way back in 2006 at the seniors level. Blue and Yellow balloons, bands beating their drums like there's no tomorrow and teams raring to play right from the get go.

Right from the tip-off Ateneo picked up where they left off in the eliminations with a 10-0 run which forced UST to sue for time just two minutes into the game. UST was then able to score off the time out and got their first field goal. Kevin Ferrer and the Tiger Cubs started to heat up as they slowly but surely caught up to Ateneo. Coach Jamike used different players rotating on defending against Ferrer. Gerard Austria, Jay Sacluti and even smaller players like Mio Puno took turns guarding the UST swing man, reminiscent to past defensive sets where Ice Reyes would guard much taller players. Sometimes it worked, sometimes Ferrer would simply shoot over the smaller defenders. As UST was starting to gain momentum, their rotation took a big blow as Jaypee Sarcia was thrown out of the game for an alleged punch to Marky Mercado. The quarter ended with Ateneo still on top at 19-13.

Gerard Austria keeping an eye on Kevin Ferrer. Gerard started the game for the Eaglets to defend the much taller Ferrer.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 1 - Filoil Arena, September 14, 2010)

The ejection of Sarcia seemed to benefit UST more than it did Ateneo as the Tiger Cubs kicked off the 2nd quarter with a 9-2 run finally getting the lead at 22-21. UST though wasn't finished as they continued their scoring onslaught all throughout the quarter anchored on Ferrer's wax hot 3 point shooting. Ateneo could only muster 13 points that quarter versus UST's massive 24. UST held on to the lead at half time, 32-37.

Josh Gadia and Lambert Tenorio trap Kevin Ferrer in the backcourt. The Eaglets rotated in defending UST's best player.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 1 - Filoil Arena, September 14, 2010)

The 3rd quarter saw Ateneo continue to fight against UST's offensive sets. However, UST was quick to adjust and any scoring run that Ateneo made was immediately countered by the Tiger Cubs as they increased their lead to 6 midway through the period, ADMU 40 - UST 46. Then Kiefer Ravena was reinserted in the line-up. Coach Jamike used him sparingly most likely due to a technical foul called on Kiefer earlier in the game. Kiefer provided instant offense as he went on a solo 10-3 run that finally brought the lead back to Ateneo at the end of the period, 50-49.

Kiefer Ravena taking the ball straight to the basket. Kiefer scored 10 points in the final minutes of the third to continue the fight for the Blue Eaglets.
(Blue Eaglets vs UST, Finals Game 1 - Filoil Arena, September 14, 2010)

UST however was quick to recover the lead they lost as they scored the first basket of the 4th quarter and they never let the lead slip way again. Ateneo kept fighting and kept it close to within 2-3 points. Then Kevin Ferrer hit two consecutive 3 pointers that increased their lead to 6 with about 3 minutes left in the game. Kiefer Ravena and the Eaglets tried in vain to regain the lead, but their baskets weren't falling and the calls weren't going their way. With only seconds left in the game, and UST up 71-77, Coach Jamike waived the white flag and brought in the other players to dribble the time away.

It was a sad loss for the Eaglets who have a propensity to lose game one after a sweep of the eliminations. The finals has now become a best of three series. However, not all is lost for the Eaglets. As with their past sweeps, they may have lost the first game, but have also ended up winning the championship. Coach Jamike and his wards are not known to allow two consecutive losses without a fight. To them losing game 1 is merely a wake up call to a sleeping and rusty juggernaut. So yes, lightning may strike more than once on the Eaglets, and if history does repeat itself, losing game 1 is a good sign of what's to come.

We Believe! One Big Fight!

Side notes:

1. The Lady Eagles lost their final game against the NU Lady Bulldog. They finish the season with a 4-10 record.
2. The Lady Falcons of Adamson failed in their quest to sweep the eliminations as they were beaten by the Lady Tamaraws by a last second shot by former Lady Eagle, Karen Columna.
3. The Eaglets-Tiger Cubs game was so hotly contested that 2 technical fouls, 1 unsportsmanlike foul and 1 disqualifying foul was called by the refs. That doesn't even include the hidden chops, punches, elbows and knees thrown by some of the players. You really see a lot when you sit right there on the floor.
4. There is an alleged incident that happened between the AHS Babble and UST Coach and a UST player. I don't have the complete details, but I'll see what I can find out.

Lady Eagles lose anew to the Lady Archers, 58-62

The Lady Eagles lost anew today to the Final Four bound Lady Archers. However, Ateneo did not simply hand the win to DLSU as it took the Lady Archers an extra 5 minutes to finally dispose of the fighting Lady Eagles, 58-62.

The game started with both teams playing tentative ball on the floor. In a span of three and a half minutes, both teams could only muster 3 points each as Sarah Mercado matched DSLU's three free throws with her own free throw and lay in. This was then countered by the Lady Archers with a crippling 14-0 blast, DLSU up 3-17. Teedee Estrada and Jen Dimaano finally ended the DLSU onslaught by scoring a free throw each. The first quarter ended with the Lady Archers still with a commanding 12 point lead, ADMU 5 - DLSU 17.

The second quarter started with both teams answering each other's offensive sets. DLSU even increased their lead by 1, ADMU 8 - DLSU 21. Then ADMU, with contributions from Val Chua, Sam Ong and Jen Dimaano, went on a scoring tear to bring the lead down to 5, 16-21. DLSU was able to respond with a three pointer, which was again quickly answered by a Dimaano free throw and a three pointer by Val Chua. The second quarter ended with Ateneo slicing DLSU's lead to single digits, 20-24.

The third quarter was riddled with fouls from both teams. DLSU took advantage of this and went to the line more times than ADMU. They made 9 out of their 12 free throws attempts in the quarter. DLSU also had more scoring opportunities as they ended the quarter re-establishing their 12 point lead, ADMU 32-DLSU 44.

Mariana Lopa shoots a three pointer. Mariana's shot tied the game at 52-all to send the game into overtime.
(Lady Eagles vs DLSU - Filoil Arena, September 11, 2010)

The fourth quarter saw DLSU free throw shooting percentage go down, as they scored on only 3 out of their 10 attempts. This helped Ateneo's comeback as they little by little chipped into the Lady Archer lead. Everyone that Coach Epok Quimpo brought into the floor contributed. But the biggest play came from Mariana Lopa as she hit a big three pointer that brought the game into overtime at 52-all.

The Lady Eagles finally took the lead at the start of the overtime period off a free throw by Sarah Mercado. However, the Lady Archers answered with a quick field goal and never relinquished the lead. Sarah and Mariana Lopa tried to bring the Lady Eagles back into the game but DLSU answered each of their efforts. The game finally ended at 58-62.

Sarah Mercado with an open lay up off a steal. Sarah top scored for the Lady Eagles with 17 points.
(Lady Eagles vs DLSU - Filoil Arena, September 11, 2010)

The game may have had no bearing for either team as Ateneo was out of contention and DLSU already with a firm hold of third place. However, this being a rivalry game, both teams played more for pride rather than standings. Both teams played their hearts out. This may have been a loss, but the Lady Eagles proved one thing, that they can play with the best of them.

Well played, Lady Eagles! One Big Fight!

Step Ladder and The Finals

The step ladder eliminations started last Tuesday with the the DLSZ Junior Archers defeating the NU Bullpups to go advance and face the UST Tiger Cubs. DLSZ have been improving in the past games as they won two straight to get to where they are. After losing big to FEU, they returned the favor by beating the Baby Tams in the play-off to get the last seat for the Final Four. They then beat the much favored NU Bullpups in their playoff match. NU had won against the Junior Archers twice in the elimination rounds, however lost when it mattered most. It was a banner year though for NU who had been at the bottom of the heap in the past years. The last time they made the Final Four was in 2007 when they almost eliminated the Blue Eaglets. Incidentally, that was the same year that DLSZ won the championship after they were suspended.

DLSZ now has to face the UST Tiger Cubs who have a twice to beat and Kevin Ferrer advantage. To win against UST, the Junior Archers will have to limit Ferrer and his cohorts not only once, but twice. With Gabby Reyes, Axel Torres, and Joseph Tempongko, they have more than enough guns to get the job done. It's a matter of winning another two games to face their arch nemesis, the Ateneo Blue Eaglets.

On the other hand the Blue Eaglets are still waiting. Depending on the outcome of the UST-DLSZ match, they may still have to wait a week before they play again. Their main adversary at the moment is rust. They have to keep in tip-top shape to meet their opponents head on. If it's UST, they will be facing their toughest competition of the season. UST is the only team to have come close to defeating the Eaglets. If it's DLSZ, the Junior Archers will be coming from a 4 game winning streak and with a lot of momentum. The only thing that may be going against them is fatigue as they will have played a total of 18 games if they do reach the finals. As the cliche goes, anything can happen.

However, whomever the opponent, whenever the game, the disciplined Blue Eaglets are sure to be ready to defend their crown.

Go Ateneo! One Big Fight!

Lady Eagles Get First 2nd Round Win

The last time the UE Lady Warriors (they were called the UE Amazons back then) beat the Ateneo Lady Eagles was in Season 70. That was the year when Ateneo won their second women's division championship behind MVP Cassy Tioseco. UE on the other hand had then Rookie of the Year Cindy Resultay in their team. Fast forward to Season 73. Ateneo no longer has Cassy in the team, however UE still had the services of an athletic Resultay.

One would enter the arena thinking that this game should be a walk in the park for the Lady Eagles, as the Lady Warriors had yet to register a win for the season. However the first quarter was an indication of how the game will turn out. Ateneo started out strong with a 12-5 run to open the quarter. UE then started getting their scoring going, however missed free throws kept the Lady Warriors from building any momentum. However, with less than minute left in the first, UE scored 5 straight points to bring them within one point. The quarter ended Ateneo ahead 17-16.

Val Chua driving strong to the basket. Val scored 11 points in the Lady Eagle's win versus the UE Lady Warriors.
(Lady Eagles vs UE - Filoil Arena, September 4, 2010)

UE continued their scoring tear with Resultay scoring 6 straight points to lead a 7-0 run and gain the upper hand over Ateneo, 17-23. Ateneo sued for time in order to get their offense in order. Ateneo won back the lead through a 13-2 run capped by a Teedee Estrada 3-pointer, Ateneo 30-UE 23. Ateneo was able to maintain their 7-point advantage till the end of the quarter, Ateneo 38 - UE 31.

The third quarter was marked by an offensive drought for the Lady Eagles. They were only able to score 4 points in an 8 minute period, all coming from splits from the line. In contrast, the Lady Warriors started scoring as they matched that with 15 points of their own, as their took back the lead, 42-46. Mariana Lopa finally ended Ateneo's field goal drought with a two pointer , however UE was quick to recover as they ended the quarter with a 6 point lead, Ateneo 46 - UE 52.

Mariana Lopa sets the play. Mariana scored 12 points including 2 free throws that put the game away for the Lady Eagles.
(Lady Eagles vs UE - Filoil Arena, September 4, 2010)

It seemed like UE was going to get their first win as the Lady Warriors were able to keep Ateneo at bay. Each Lady Eagle offensive play was quickly answered by UE, 51-58. However, at 6:55 mark, Sarah Mercado started to heat up as she scored 10 to lead a 10-3 for the Lady Eagles. The quarter ended at 61-all.

In overtime, Ateneo seemed to lost its steam as they allowed UE to score 6 straight points the regain the lead at 61-67. That's when Sarah went back to work. She answered back with 7 points of her own to get the lead for good, 68-67. Mariana then put the icing on the cake with two free throws to finalize the game for the Lady Eagles, Ateneo 70 - UE 67.

Sarah Mercado driving straight to the basket. Sarah scored 7 of her 19 points in overtime to give Ateneo its first win in the second round.
(Lady Eagles vs UE - Filoil Arena, September 4, 2010)

The game was a close call for the Lady Eagles, who finally got a win in the second round. Only two more games, one against NU and the other against rival DLSU. The NU game will be an exciting one as both teams want to finish the season on a high note. In the game versus DLSU, Ateneo will be playing for pride and the distinction of beating their rivals.

Finish strong Lady Eagles! One Big Fight!