Ateneo, UE take SSL consolation tiffs

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo drubbed NCAA champion St. Benilde, 26-24, 25-16, 21-25, 25-23, to salvage the consolation fifth place in the Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship over the weekend at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Seasoned spiker Lyann de Guzman fired 20 points on 19 hits and an ace to captain the Blue Eagles’ flight to a commendable finish as part of their buildup for redemption tour in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament early next year.

AC Miner and Geezel Tsunashima chipped in 13 and nine points, respectively, with Tsunashima drilling in back-to-back kills to foil the Lady Blazers’ attempt to force a deciding fifth set.

Meanwhile, University of the East secured the seventh spot with a 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 win over University of the Philippines behind the potent troika of Jelai Gajero, Casiey Dongallo and KC Cepada.

Gajero had 17 points while Dongallo and Cepada added 16 and 14 points, respectively.