THE ATENEO Blue Eagles conceded to defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs after three straight sets in the opening match of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The Blue and White suffered their first loss of the tournament, 15-25, 20-25, 16-25, earlier today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The Blue Eagles struggled to find their footing in the first set as last season’s Rookie of the Year and MVP, Bella Belen and Best Opposite Hitter, Alyssa Solomon, dominated quickly for NU with their solid offensive strategies and defensive stops at the net. Despite Alexis Miner’s quick running hits, the Lady Bulldogs finished the set with a ten-point lead, 25-15.

[1st Set]

Miner successfully hits past through NU’s blockers.

Ateneo 15 NU 24#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/5k4ktii7TE

— Marit Samson (@Marit_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

With a closer start at the beginning of the second set, the defending champions continued to maximize their strong command from the service line. Still trailing NU, the combined efforts of Miner and the UAAP Season 84 second Best Outside Hitter and team captain, Faith Nisperos, trimmed down NU’s lead to four, 18-22. However, the Blue and Gold towered over the Katipunan-based squad as Princess Robles snatched the second set for NU with a combination play, 20-25.

[2nd Set]

NU’s blockers reject Ateneo’s hit. NU now at set point.

Ateneo 19 NU 24#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/na6nZOhAqD

— Marit Samson (@Marit_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

In the final set, the Lady Bulldogs dominated with a complete team effort as they had a double-digit lead over the Blue Eagles. However, NU started to give away free points off attacking  errors. Graduating senior Vanie Gandler took advantage of the momentum with impressive backrow attacks, pummeling through her opponents’ defenses. Despite saving five match points, Nisperos’ service error gave the defending champions their first win of the season, 16-25.

[3rd Set]

Attack error by NU ends an almost a minute-long rally.

Ateneo 12 NU 24#UAAPVolleyball pic.twitter.com/4IBfk9D9K6

— Marit Samson (@Marit_TheGUIDON) February 25, 2023

After their first loss of the season, Coach Oliver Almadro shared what they will improve in the coming games, “Confidence first. Confidence in every match and being consistent in what we do and what we practice. We just have to show it right here, at yung mga preseason [stints] na ginawa namin (and the preseason [stints] that we had).”

The Blue Eagles hope to regain their winning ways in their next game against the University of the East Lady Warriors at 2 PM, Wednesday, March 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Box scores:

Ateneo: Miner – 9, Gandler – 8, Nisperos – 8, De Guzman – 2, Narit – 2, Fujimoto – 1, Sulit – 1, Tsunashima – 1

NU: Solomon – 12, Robles – 11, Belen – 8, Pangilinan – 7, Toring – 7, Alinsug – 3, Cagande – 1, Lamina – 1

Set scores:

15-25, 20-25, 16-25