Ateneo de Manila University against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Ateneo de Manila University will not end the first round of the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball tournament without a victory.
The Blue Eagles finally broke through after six straight losses as they swept University of the East, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16, during their Saturday afternoon faceoff at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Jihan Chuatico led Ateneo with 13 points on seven kills, five blocks, and one ace. Rookie Ana Hermosura marked 11 points on 19 attacks and one ace, while Donna De Leon and Zel Tsunashima each scored 10 markers.
"Today, our team continued being aggressive and smart," said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso. "We turned our opportunities into points."
"We're not the tallest team, but our blocking and defense played a key role," added the Brazilian mentor, whose team overpowered the Lady Warriors in the blocking department, 9-1.
In addition, Ateneo's strong third-set surge also helped seal its first win.
With the match at 11-8, the Blue Eagles zoomed to a 22-14 advantage following a run that was capped off by De Leon's drop late in the match.
Alexia Montoro then put Ateneo at match point with a block, while an antenna touch by UE eventually sealed the sweep.
On the other hand, the Lady Warriors concluded their first-round campaign with seven straight losses, and a 21st overall dating back to Season 87 in 2025.
KC Cepada led UE with a tied game-high 13 points, while Van Bangayan chipped in 10 points in the loss.