The words competitive and fierce embody the UAAP’s 74th season. With seven teams making finals appearances and two championships under its belt, Ateneo proved to be a contender in last year’s competitions. Though their spirit kept them in contention, it was not enough to outshine their equally indomitable opponents.

ADMU placed fifth overall with a total score of 207 points. UST captured its 14th straight title—and 39th over-all—with 298 points while DLSU, FEU and UP rounded out the top four with final scores of 278, 229 and 219 respectively.

“Though Ateneo increased its points this year, the standards were raised for other schools as well. The competition was closer and more balanced out,” said Emmanuel Fernandez, Assistant Director for Operations at the University Athletics Office (UAO).

“The numbers show that it is the first time [in UAAP history] that five schools scored over 200 and none surpassed 300,” continued Fernandez. The close range of scores proves that no school completely dominated the season and each had a fighting chance at winning the coveted UAAP general championship.

Ateneo started strong with two championships in the first leg of the season from the four-peat men’s basketball team and the men’s badminton team. Women’s badminton, women’s judo and women’s beach volleyball followed closely with runner-up finishes, placing Ateneo at third overall by the end of the first semester.

The winning streak continued in the second semester with the baseball team dominating the first round and reaching the finals, while the women’s volleyball team secured a spot in the finals against defending champions La Salle.

Though both teams fell short in the championship, it was the first time in Ateneo’s UAAP history that both the baseball and women’s volleyball teams reached the finals.

Women’s tennis finished at fourth while softball, men’s and women’s fencing, men’s and women’s football and men’s athletics settled for fifth. Despite the appearances of both baseball and women’s volleyball in the finals, the final tally set Ateneo back to a total score of 90 points for the second semester.

“We were hoping that both men’s and women’s volleyball, badminton and judo would make it to the finals,” shared Benjo Afuang of the College Athletics Office. “The impressive performance of the women’s volleyball team and baseball team early on also raised the expectations for the possibility of two more championships.”

The UAO believes that teams will continue to rise in the following years. Prior to this season, the baseball team’s best record was a third place finish in 2009. Likewise, the women’s volleyball team finally inched its way into the finals after finishing third in 2010.

“Compared to last year, [the baseball team] is a more complete team. They are a young core but they have experienced players. The women’s volleyball team has a more developed line-up made up of veterans. Three years ago we already predicted that they would reach the finals,” said Fernandez.

The UAO is committed to ensuring that all teams are supported and provided with the means to perform well.