Ateneo Ends Slump, Hands UE Another Winless Season

Ateneo de Manila University snapped its five-game losing streak with a straight-set victory over winless University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Led by Dona de Leon and Jihan Chuatico, the Blue Eagles finally broke free from their prolonged slump, improving to a 2-11 record ahead of their final assignment of the season against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Wednesday, April 22, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s all about developing a strong mindset,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso. “I always tell my players to do their best, regardless of how we start. You have to fight continuously, stay focused, and never give up. That’s the goal—to always perform at your highest level and finish strong.”

The Lady Warriors almost forced a fourth set after Angel Pepino’s block attack and Van Bangayan’s off-the-block hit put Ateneo at a 24-22 disadvantage. However, Ana Hermosura and Jlo delos Santos each scored to level the set at 24-all.

Ateneo survived two set points from UE and took a 27-26 lead after a service error from Ashley Cañete and an attack error from Khy Cepada. UE briefly tied the score at 27-27 after a KC Cortez service error, but Bangayan committed another attack error, and Delos Santos finished the match with a game-winning ace, securing Ateneo’s second win of Season 88.

“I’m really happy with how we played because we’ve been pushing ourselves in film sessions this week, trying to give our best,” said De Leon, who led Ateneo with 14 points, including 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, in the match that lasted one hour and 39 minutes. “I’ve been doing my best since the first round, and I feel I’ve done my role.”

Chuatico added 12 points, including seven attacks and five blocks, while Hermosura contributed 11 points, 11 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions.

Delos Santos finished with nine points, six attacks, three blocks, and seven excellent digs, while Pacia chipped in five points and two excellent digs. Cortez set up the offense with 22 excellent sets and added four points from three attacks and one ace.

Meanwhile, UE ended Season 88 without a win once again, marking the second consecutive winless season for the Lady Warriors. They become the first team in UAAP women’s volleyball history to experience back-to-back winless seasons since they went winless for three straight years from Seasons 75 to 77.

Cepada led UE with 18 points, including 15 attacks, two aces, and one block, plus 13 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs. Bangayan added 12 points, with 11 attacks and one block, along with eight excellent digs. Pepino finished with nine points, four excellent digs, and four excellent receptions.

Sofia Arasan recorded 14 excellent sets, while Reyes contributed 12 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions in the losing effort.