THE ATENEO Blue Eagles (8-0) concluded the Marikina City Women’s Basketball League (MCWBL) undefeated after winning the championship against the pro player-packed Dragons Club (6-2), 108-55. The best-of-two finals series was held at the Marikina Sports Center Basketball Gym on September 17 and 18.
In the first quarter, the Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) immediately came off to a blazing hot start as they went on a 24-4 scoring run in the first five minutes of play. Sandra Villacruz and Kacey Dela Rosa looked unstoppable after consistently driving down the lanes over and through Dragons Club defenders, with the duo netting back-to-back shots and bonus free throws early in the game.
Other than their superb offense, the Blue Eagles also managed to control their opponents’ scoring tempo using their full-court press. Such stifling defense prevented the Dragons Club from making any field goal in the entire first quarter. Throughout the first two cantos, the Blue Eagles made sure to keep their defensive assignments in check, and the AWBT ended the first half with a massive 44-point lead, 70-26.
Ateneo’s Center Sarah Makanjuola anchored the team in the second half, recording a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds. Her teammates LJ Miranda and Ylyssa Eufemiano also provided the Katipunan-based squad with plenty of second chance opportunities with their combined 15 rebounds. Owing to their dominance on the offensive and defensive boards, the AWBT tallied 24 points and easily cruised past the Dragons Club in the third quarter, 94-42.
Miranda contributed 15 points while Villacruz’ early scoring burst produced a total of 13 points. Dela Rosa led the team with 19 points and 5 rebounds—allowing her to bag the MVP award and the Mythical Five Selection alongside her teammate Jhazmin Joson.
“I’m excited for [UAAP Season 85] because with this lineup—the possibilities are endless,” AWBT Manager Gerie Medina shared about the young Ateneo team. “I’m optimistic, the Marikina Sports League is just the beginning of more wins for this team.”
The Blue Eagles will soon be suiting up for their upcoming stint in the long-awaited return of the Women’s 5-on-5 division in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
