THE ATENEO Blue Eagles fell short against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in a non-bearing match, 21-25, 11-25, 25-22, 21-25, earlier today at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City. With two remaining matches for the season, the Blue Eagles currently rank sixth in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Women’s Tournament given their win-loss record of 4-8.

Although Ateneo took the lead at the beginning of Set 1, 4-1, FEU immediately flipped the score through impressive defense, 14-11, asserting their position as the second best blocking team. As FEU approached set point, Ateneo refused to make it easy for their opponent through Setter Taks Fujimoto and Captain Faith Nisperos’ connection, 20-24. However, Ateneo’s multiple errors played a big factor as they then dropped the first set against the Lady Tamaraws, 21-25.

FEU entered Set 2 with increased aggressiveness, taking control from the very start, 2-9. The Blue Eagles’ attempts to respond fell short as the Lady Tamaraws stretched their lead with a 7-0 run, 4-16. Nisperos remained consistent with her signature kills from the wing but it was ultimately no match for FEU’s blockade. Despite improved defensive efforts by the Blue and White led by AC Miner, FEU finished the second set with a comfortable lead, 25-11.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles then advanced to the third set with an explosive 3-0 run, allowing them to establish an early momentum. Ateneo, showing no hesitation in offense, and FEU, faltering in defense, kept the score in Ateneo’s favor, 12-9. An impressive 5-1 by the Blue Eagles launched them further forward until they won their first set of the match, 25-22.

The fourth set began with an intense seesaw battle between the Blue Eagles and the Lady Tamaraws. As both teams successfully adjusted to each other’s plays, the set was marked by long rallies and deadlocks. However, FEU’s determination to finish the match prevailed towards the latter part of Set 4, 20-22. Finally, Lady Tamaraw Tin Ubaldo wins the match for FEU with a service ace, 21-25.

As the Blue Eagles near the end of their UAAP Season 85 campaign, they will once again attempt to notch their fifth win as they face their archrivals De La Salle University Lady Spikers on Sunday, April 23, at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Box scores:

Ateneo: Nisperos – 20, de Guzman – 11, Miner – 10, Narit – 8, Tsunashima – 5, Gandler – 2

FEU: Tagaod – 15, Fernandez – 12, Asis Ann Roselle – 9, Devosora – 9, Ubaldo – 7, Petallo – 5, Asis Jean – 4, Panangin – 3

Set scores:

21-25, 11-25, 25-22, 21-25