Ateneo de Manila University triumphed on what they now call “Redemption Sunday.”
The term reflects the Blue Eagles’ painful exit from the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament, where they fell to the Adamson Lady Falcons, 53-59 in overtime, during the first phase of the stepladder last year.
Carrying that loss with them throughout the year, fate brought the two teams together once more in the same scenario — the stepladder quarterfinal of Season 88.
This time, Ateneo rewrote the narrative, defeating Adamson, 66-56, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Definitely, we call this our redemption Sunday. That has been the theme, we wanted to redeem — we had sleepless nights, all of us after that loss to Adamson,” said head coach LA Mumar, recalling the trauma of last year.
“Credit to Adamson, they always give us a hard time, but at least kami naman ngayon. Last time napaiyak nila kami, at least nakalusot ngayon,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Mumar also recalled how the season began with Ateneo watching the very team that had ended their campaign the previous year.
The Blue Eagles opened the season with a win over University of the East, while Adamson faced University of the Philippines in the other women’s matchup that day.
“We were highly motivated and we started Season 88 watching the Adamson game. Pinanood namin ‘yung fourth quarter, lahat ng mga rookie hinintay namin,” said Mumar.
“Pinanood namin, tiniis namin lahat yun, and that is really our motivation na we wouldn’t want to feel that again. And thank you Lord we were able to pull through.”
Up next for Ateneo is a stepladder semifinal clash against the National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As Mumar has repeatedly emphasized this season, Ateneo is prepared for a deep playoff run, with a stacked lineup that doesn’t rely solely on two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa.
