Lyann de Guzman delivered when it mattered most.
With Ateneo de Manila University on the brink of a meltdown, the Blue Eagles’ captain nailed a clutch crosscourt hit to lift her squad to a gritty 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13 victory over the University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
De Guzman’s game-winning hit capped a resilient effort from Ateneo, which leaned heavily on fourth-year standout AC Miner to overcome its undermanned roster.
“I’m very happy sa pinakita ng team. Admittingly, nagstruggle kami in the game, pero sabi ko sa kanila hindi kami sumabay sa UE kasi we have our own pacing and we know kung paano kami maglaro inside the court. Kailangan natin maging aggresive, may energy, at to have fun palagi,” the 23-year-old outside hitter said, who delivered 17 points on 16 attacks and one block with 14 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs in the two hour and 21-minute five-set victory.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Miner, who shifted from her usual middle blocker role to opposite spiker throughout the match, dug deep in her bag and finished with 23 points built on 20 attacks and three blocks. She also tallied six excellent receptions to help the Blue Eagles improve to a 2-5 record, matching last year’s first round output.
Ateneo seized control in the fifth set with a crucial 3-1 run, fueled by timely hits from De Guzman and second-year spiker Zey Pacia, turning a slim 7-5 edge into a commanding 10-6 advantage.
As UE continued to apply pressure, the Bacolod Tay Tung High School duo of Jihan Chuatico and Alex Montoro, alongside NUNS alum Robi Silla stepped up in the clutch. Chuatico fired two crucial quick hits, Montoro delivered an ace, and Silla hammered in a quick hit to widen the gap to 14-8.
Van Bangayan then sparked a late surge for UE, scoring four points in a pivotal 5-0 run that trimmed the deficit to 14-13. But with the game on the line, De Guzman rose to the occasion, firing a powerful crosscourt hit to seal the victory for the Blue Eagles.
“From this point on, the most important thing is that they continue to play on a high level all the time… I’m so proud because they understand that they have to push through [despite the injuries],” Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso said.
Pacia ended the day with 17 points on 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, while Chuatico tallied 10 points on eight attacks and two blocks.
Co-captain Taks Fujimoto calmly guided Ateneo’s offense with 24 excellent sets and one point in the victory.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Similar to their men counterparts, the loss kept the Lady Warriors winless through seven first-round outings, marking their first 0-7 start since Season 85 in 2023 and leaving them at the bottom of the eight-team standings.
Bangayan fired out 24 points, five excellent digs, and four excellent receptions in the losing effort, while Riza Nogales poured in 14 attacks on a game-high nine-block performance and five attacks.
Khy Cepada struggled in 10 points on 8-of-57 attacks and the Lady Warriors topscorer had two blocks with six excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Balingit tallied nine points on seven attacks and two aces with 15 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
Angelica Reyes anchored UE’s defense with 26 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, while Tin Ecalla dished out 14 excellent sets along with 11 excellent digs and one point.
#WATCH: Coach Sergio Veloso lauds AC Miner and Zey Pacia for stepping up as Ateneo fights on despite injuries 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/pid3qy8sOw
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 15, 2025
