Ateneo de Manila University closed the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on a high note, defeating a winless University of the East, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The victory was a morale booster for the Blue Eagles after six consecutive losses, which included a five-set defeat to the University of the Philippines and being the first team to hand De La Salle a set loss this season.
“Today, our team stayed aggressive, played smart, and turned our opportunities into points. We’re not the tallest team, but our blocking and defense played a key role,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ateneo dominated at the net, finishing with a 9-1 advantage in blocks, led by Jihan Chuatico’s five.
The second set, the closest of the match, saw rookie middle blocker Dona de Leon shine, helping the Blue Eagles take a commanding 2-0 lead.
With UE ahead 22-21, Alex Montoro sparked Ateneo’s rally with a down-the-line kill, followed by two straight points from De Leon — a solid block on Khy Cepada and a quick hit — to set up set point at 24-22.
Although Montoro misfired on the next play, De Leon sealed the set with a clever dump on a misreceived ball, giving Ateneo a 25-23 advantage.
The Blue Eagles then pulled away in the third set. Chuatico, Zel Tsunashima, Faye Nisperos, and Montoro all contributed to a dominant finish, securing the win in one hour and 25 minutes.
Ateneo ends the first round in solo seventh place with a 1-6 record.
“We’re very grateful na nanalo kami, and just like coach said, we’re gonna power through round two, and we’re really gonna focus on building our character and being mature on the court,” said Tsunashima, who finished with 10 points.
Chuatico led Ateneo with 13 points, while rookie Ana Hermosura notched her first college win, contributing 11 points, seven receptions, and six digs. De Leon added 10 points in the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UE, the loss extended their winless streak to 0-7 and 21 games dating back to last season.
Khy Cepada led the Lady Warriors with 13 points, 11 excellent receptions, and seven excellent digs. Meanwhile, Van Bangayan added 10 points.
