In line with the return of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Women’s Volleyball Tournament, this weekly series will analyze the state of the Ateneo Blue Eagles as they aim to soar higher in Season 86.
OPENING THE season with a mixed bag of results, the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball Team (AWVT) had to endure two consecutive five-set encounters en route to a 1-2 win-loss record in UAAP Season 86. Their current record stands identical to their place through their first three games last season.
The Katipunan-based squad’s strenuous efforts seemed to be in vain as they experienced losses against the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors and the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs. On the opening day of the season, the Blue Eagles suffered their first defeat to the Lady Red Warriors since 2010, 1-3. Meanwhile, Ateneo nearly took down Season 85 finalists NU, taking a 2-1 set lead before succumbing to a 2-3 defeat on February 24.
Determined to end their losing skid, Ateneo regained face with their thrilling reverse sweep victory against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 3-2, last Wednesday.
- The struggle to find rhythm
Photo courtesy of UAAP Media Team
Gabrielle: In their first loss to UE in 14 years, the Blue Eagles suffered from an uncoveted lack of rhythm in the error-plagued matchup. Despite coming into the season with renewed ardor, Ateneo conceded to their rivals as they struggled to find their footing on the court.
The defensive lapses of the Katipunan-based squad are evidently seen in their debut match against the Lady Red Warriors. An influx of miscalculated defense mechanisms in the second set handed the opponent blind spots to take advantage of. Given the volume of relentless ball kills by the opposition, the Blue Eagles looked flustered as they ultimately handed UE a first advantage with their second-set victory.
Determined to keep the ball alive, Geezel Tsunashima and Jennifer Delos Santos powered through these daring challenges with their consecutive crosscourt kills in the second set. However, the crucial moments of the fourth set issued an ultimatum to the team’s synergy—testing their composure amid the physical stipulation. However, Ateneo’s determination to extend the contest was overpowered by UE’s fine skill and willful claim to vindictive victory.
Despite evidently improving their chemistry in the second game, the Blue Eagles’ frustrations continued as they bowed out to NU in a nail-biting affair. The five-set thriller heightened expectations of a first win for Ateneo despite being pitted against a Season 85 finalist. Driven by Sophia Buena and Alexis Miner’s excellent attack fronts, the Blue and White gained the upper hand in the second and third sets. However, the Blue Eagles failed to regain momentum in critical moments of the do-or-die set due to their woeful floor defense, handing match honors to the Lady Bulldogs.
Regardless of starting the season with multiple missed opportunities, the Blue Eagles exhibited an improvement in their offensive rhythm versus UP. Spearheaded by Lyann De Guzman’s impressive 24-point tally, Ateneo finally bridged the gap between their impressive wing play and timely defensive stops.
2. Silver Lining
Photo courtesy of UAAP Media Team
Gabrielle: Growing from the pains of consecutive losses, the Blue Eagles aimed to avenge their standing in a battle against their Katipunan counterparts. De Guzman’s and Buena’s offensive hustle dominated the stat sheet with a combined 42 points, with some characterizing the final plays of the game.
Jumping in with cold feet in the game’s opening set paved the way for UP’s first advantage, challenging the Blue and White to shift gears in the succeeding sets. True enough, Ateneo powered through for their first set win with an impressive third-set performance. Setting their momentum with quick hits and polished net defense, Ateneo’s willful slam downs ignited a comeback for the squad. Stemming from Buena and De Guzman’s inspired efforts to extend the match, the Blue Eagles banked on their newfound confidence, drawing their first win of the season.
Luis: With the statement win coming against their previous coach Oliver Almadro, the Blue Eagles managed to steal the game not through sheer luck, but with their concerted effort to bounce back from a two-set disadvantage. Additionally, Ateneo’s collective composure was reflected by four Blue Eagles scoring in double digits in their first victory.
3. Steady progress
Photo courtesy of UAAP Media Team
Luis: With upcoming fixtures against defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers and top-seeded University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, Ateneo will have the chance to gain experience from facing the UAAP’s best.
In pushing the Lady Bulldogs to the brink of defeat and outlasting the Fighting Maroons in a five-set comeback, the Blue Eagles have already gone through much-needed tests early on in the season. The evolving prowess of Buena, De Guzman, and Tsunashima across their first weeks of action this season should be indicative of the potential of the squad as they enter the middle of the first round.
However, as Ateneo looks on to their fourth UAAP game under the tutelage of Sérgio Veloso, avid fans must realize that results come stronger with experience. No matter what the outcome may be across their succeeding games, steady progress must always be at the forefront of the Blue Eagles’ agenda.
Eyes must also be locked on how Ateneo’s bench can provide support to their starters. “There are more than six players; this is important,” the squad’s Brazilian tactician stated in his post-game presser.
With players like Zey Pacia giving valuable points off the bench against UP, the Ateneo faithful should be eager for what surprises this new-look squad has in store for the rest of the season.
This week’s games:
Saturday, March 2, 4:00 PM, vs. De La Salle University Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Saturday, March 9, 2:00 PM, vs. University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at the Mall of Asia Arena
Current Standings (W-L):
- UST Golden Tigresses (3-0)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (2-1)
- NU Lady Bulldogs (2-1)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (2-1)
- UE Lady Red Warriors (2-1)
- AdU Lady Falcons (1-2)
- Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-2)
- UP Fighting Maroons (0-3)
