For the better part of the last decade, the fabled rivalry between Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University has consistently delivered the necessary hype across various sports.
However, when it comes to asserting dominance in UAAP women’s volleyball, the stakes have been even higher.
The peak of this intense rivalry stretched from Season 69 to Season 85, with at least one of the two teams making it to the championship round each year.
The competition was further fueled by standout players who left a lasting impact on the league. Ateneo was led by the likes of Jia Morado, Denden Lazaro, Bea de Leon, and the iconic “Fab Five” composed of Gretchen Ho, Fille Cainglet, Jem Ferrer, Dzi Gervacio, and A Nacachi.
On the other side, La Salle boasted an equally formidable roster featuring Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy, Ara Galang, Michele Gumabao, and Aby Maraño.
Amid La Salle’s consistently star-studded lineups, there was a time when Ateneo had one undeniable advantage — Alyssa Valdez.
The volleyball phenom led the Blue Eagles to back-to-back championships in Seasons 76 and 77, proving to be the difference-maker that La Salle struggled to counter.
Although Ateneo managed to win the first two encounters in the post-Valdez era during Season 79, La Salle has since dominated, winning the last 15 head-to-head matches dating back to the UAAP Finals in 2017.
La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus acknowledged the rivalry’s continued intensity but admitted that, in Season 87, the spark feels different due to Ateneo’s lack of a go-to player like Valdez.
“Sa ngayon kasi parang hindi ko nakikita ‘yon kasi yung Ateneo parang walang go-to guy, ‘yon yung nakikita ko. Kasi that time si Alyssa, bigay mo lahat kay Alyssa ‘eh, and bubuhayin na ni Alyssa ‘yon,” De Jesus said following La Salle’s 25-15, 25-14, 20-25, 25-19 victory over Ateneo on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Ngayon, parang walang Alyssa doon sa Ateneo or even yung team lang ng Ateneo kaya distributed lahat yung bola. Kaya hindi ko masasabi na yung Ateneo na hindi mo puwedeng balewalain kasi distributed yung bola. Before kasi si Alyssa lang babantayan mo.”
Injuries have also played a significant role in Ateneo’s struggles this season.
Key players Zel Tsunashima (broken left shin), Jlo delos Santos (torn left ACL), and Sobe Buena (torn right lateral collateral ligament) could have been the heart and soul of the team, but all three suffered season-ending injuries.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
While De Jesus takes pride in La Salle’s continued dominance over Ateneo, he urged his players to shift their focus toward reclaiming the championship rather than just asserting their mastery in the rivalry.
With National University (6-0) and the University of Santo Tomas (5-1) pulling away from the pack, De Jesus emphasized the importance of staying in contention and not falling behind in the race for a Final Four spot.
“Actually, hindi ko tinitignan ‘yon sa ngayon dahil ang importante sa amin ay makakuha ng panalo kasi malayo na masyado yung No. 1 and No. 2. Huwag lang dapat kami magpaiwan at sana maipilit namin maihabol hanggang sa top four,” De Jesus explained.
“Doon na lang siguro. ‘Yon na muna goal namin. Kahit sino pa kalaban namin, Ateneo man ‘yan or ibang teams, kailangan talaga paghandaan kasi nandoon na lahat ‘eh. Wala ka nang pipiliin pang kalaban kasi lahat sila competitive,” he added.
“Talagang doon mo malalaman yung medyo matibay yung dibdib ng players mo [at] kung kaya i-execute yung ginagawa sa training. Sa ngayon, may makikita kang ganoon na resulta sa training. Inaantay ko na lang lumabas sa game at maging consistent sa ganon.”
#WATCH: While the La Salle-Ateneo rivalry still fuels the fire, Coach Ramil De Jesus is focused on the growth of his Lady Spikers in every match 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Mn6WBHEgRL
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 12, 2025
