Sobe Buena made a triumphant season debut, providing the spark Ateneo de Manila University needed to sweep the University of the Philippines, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, and secure its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
After missing Ateneo’s first two games due to a minor injury, Buena returned with a clutch performance. And she led the Blue Eagles to a breakthrough win despite the absence of key players Zel Tsunashima (shin) and Jlo Delos Santos (ACL).
Buena delivered 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing six excellent digs and four excellent receptions in the Blue Eagles’ swift one-hour and 29-minute sweep of the Fighting Maroons.
With the victory, Ateneo improved to a 1-2 record, placing seventh in the eight-team league while extending its dominance over UP to 10 consecutive wins — a streak dating back to a Season 81 second-round triumph on March 10, 2019.
“It feels really good to be back on the court. I think not just for us 12 on the court, not just for the coaching staff, but for the Ateneo community and for Zel and JLo. We’re really grateful that we got this win,” Buena said postgame.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo carried the momentum from its come-from-behind second-set win into the third, racing to an 18-9 lead that proved too much for UP to overcome.
The Fighting Maroons managed to trim the deficit to 21-17, but team captain Lyann de Guzman countered with a crosscourt hit. Back-to-back blocks from Buena and AC Miner, and another crosscourt strike from Buena then sealed the victory.
The Blue Eagles also staged a strong comeback in the second set, erasing a 7-13 deficit.
Buena, who missed Ateneo’s previous two games, delivered three of the team’s final four points to secure a commanding two-set lead.
The opening set was a different story, as Ateneo started strong with an 11-6 advantage, with key hits from Yvana Sulit and Miner setting the tone for the match.
“When everybody plays good, the team will be good. I give my congrats to Taks because when all the spikers play good, it’s because the setter plays very good,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso.
“Especially in this match, our service worked to our plan. Our service is our first attack, and this impression in the match, it’s so important.”
It was a well-rounded performance for the Blue Eagles, who outperformed the Fighting Maroons in five of six statistical categories: attacks (48-30), blocks (5-3), aces (6-5), digs (35-25), and sets (17-10).
De Guzman provided ample support with 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces, along with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Miner added 12 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also contributing three excellent digs.
Taks Fujimoto orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets and one ace, while Sarah Hugo registered nine excellent digs.
Ateneo will face a tough challenge next Sunday against the FEU Lady Tamaraws at the same Pasay venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to second place with a 2-1 record.
For UP, Irah Jaboneta was the lone bright spot, finishing with 11 points, 10 excellent receptions, and two excellent digs.
Setter Jaz Manguilimotan tallied eight excellent sets in the loss.
The Fighting Maroons will look to bounce back against De La Salle University on the same date and venue.
