THE ATENEO Blue Eagles end their losing streak as they notch their second win against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in three straight sets, 3-0. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament match was held earlier today in the Fil-Oil EcoOil Centre in the City of San Juan.

The Blue Eagles started strong in the first set, with Team Captain Faith Nisperos and veteran Vanie Gandler leading the team with their impressive offensive strategies. Maximizing UP’s errors from the service line, the Blue and White continued to pull away with Taks Fujimoto’s equal ball distribution. Despite the defensive blocks from the Fighting Maroons at the latter part of the set, the combined efforts of Joan Narit and Gandler on the offensive and defensive ends secured them the first set, 25-16.

The second set started with a close back-and-forth battle against the Blue Eagles and the Fighting Maroons. While their next-door neighbors were hounded by their errors on the offensive end, Ateneo managed to inch closer towards set point. With Fujimoto creating unique variations distributed to Lyann de Guzman and AC Miner, the Blue Eagles claimed the second set, 25-20.

Securing the early lead in the third set, the Fighting Maroons had an impressive momentum shift, courtesy of a better defensive showing to counter the Blue Eagles. With both squads trading points off their errors, Nisperos and Gandler’s aggressive attacks earned the lead for Ateneo. Nisperos took this opportunity to score a powerful kill, winning Ateneo the third set, 25-22.

The Blue Eagles now hold a 2-5 record at the end of the first round. The schedule for the next round of games has yet to be released.

Box scores:

Ateneo: Gandler – 17, Nisperos – 14, Miner – 7, de Guzman – 5, Narit – 5, Fujimoto – 3, Tsunashima – 3

UP: Encarnacion – 11, Ytang – 7, Bertolano – 6, Bustrillo – 5, Celis – 5, Bonafe – 2, Goc – 1, Sotomil – 1

Set scores:

25-16, 25-20, 25-22