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!