The Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym —The University of the East (UE) Warriors disappointedly ended the first round with a 1-6 record, good only for 7th place.
UE vs DLSU (0-1)
The season started on a sour note for the Warriors, going head-to-head against the defending champions, De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Paddlers, from the get go. The Warriors suffered a huge 0-3 loss.
UE vs AdU (0-2)
UE would continue to lose against their next opponent, the Adamson University (AdU) Falcons. UE grabbed the first match win behind Ramos, who dominated AdU’s Fernandez, 3 sets to none. Barresco tried to continue UE’s winning ways, getting the 1st set win 11-7. Barresco, not able to keep the momentum, lost the next 3 sets, giving AdU the match win. With the series tied at 1-1, the doubles tandem of Vasquez and Benoya would try to rally the Warriors. They would lose the first two sets, but make a comeback grabbing both the 3rd and 4th set, forcing a 5th set. The 5th set, however, would end on a negative note for the pair.
UE vs FEU (0-3)
The Warriors went against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in their next match. UE tried to put up a fight, but manage to win only 1 game, the doubles competition, 1-3. UE did not lose convincingly; both singles matches were decided on the 5th set. While the fourth match, where UE tried to make a comeback, was spoiled on the 4th set.
UE vs ADMU (1-3)
The last game of the first day of eliminations was a good one for the Warriors, battling the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Paddlers. The Blue Paddlers drew first blood with a 3-2 win over UE’s Ramos. J.V Soriano tied the series for UE, with his 3-1 win. UE would lose the doubles match, but would win both the singles matches in dominating fashion. UE wins, 3-2.
UE vs NU (1-4)
Despite Losing, the match against the National University (NU) Bulldogs would be a good one. UE would draw first blood thanks to K.Ramos. He would force NU’s E. Manuel to a 5th and deciding set, and win the match. Last years Rookie of the year, J.R. Misal would win the next match for NU. The Tandem of Vasquez and Benoya would give the Warriors the lead. They would dominate the first 2 sets but would give the 3rd and 4th set to their opponents. Vasquez and Benoya would win in convincing fashion in the 5th set, 11-7. NU’s Huab would extend the series with his 3-0 win against UE. In the deciding match, Barneso would win the 1st and 3rd set against NU’s Villarmor, who closed out and grabbed the W for the Bulldogs.
UE vs UP (1-5)
UE’s losing woes continued against University of the Philippines (UP). K. Ramos fought with all his might but in the end succumbed, 2-3. The Warriors would try to grab a win behind Benoya, and the doubles pairing of Wu and Estrella, but could not finish.
UE vs UST (1-6)
The Warriors’last game was against perennial favorites, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers. The Warriors would lose the first match, it was a one sided affair for the Tigers.
K. Ramos, once again step to the plate, to try and win one for the Warriors. It would be a hard fought battle against UST’s Ablaque. K. Ramos forced a 5th set by winning the 2nd and 3rd sets. The 5th set would go to UST. The pair of Barneso and Benoya, would also succumb to UST, 1-3.