After securing their second consecutive Final Four appearance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86, the Ateneo Women’s Basketball Team (AWBT) looks to chase greater heights. This season preview delves into the Blue Eagles’ performance, examining their moves designed to sharpen their talons for the uphill battles ahead.

FOLLOWING YET another impressive fourth-place finish in the previous season of the UAAP, the Blue Eagles are primed to embark on a new chapter of their storied legacy.

Team Captain Sandra Villacruz, alongside veterans Dyna Nieves and Yunika Angala, will look to forge a leading path for the squad this season. Returning Head Coach LA Mumar will take the team under his wing as he continues to be a staple for the girls’ collective drive and success.

Boosting the squad’s momentum, last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kacey Dela Rosa intends to fortify the Blue Eagles’ front lines. Now entering her junior year, the superstar is backed by her remarkable stats and game-changing numbers, promising to add an edge to the team’s overall performance. Furthermore, the dynamic contributions of fellow standouts Junize Calago and center Sarah Makanjuola will complement the core group in the AWBT’s quest for excellence.

As they strive to build on their past achievements and elevate their game, the Blue Eagles are ready to make their mark and scale their zenith in the upcoming season.

A season to remember

Diego: After previously falling short of a Final Four berth for four consecutive seasons, the Blue Eagles managed to make strides, working toward a steady ascent since then. What began as a rejuvenated young squad marked by fresh talent and faces has now become a testament to Ateneo’s abilities, as the team has placed itself well into postseason contention since Season 85.

Despite absorbing a 57-77 loss in their Season 86 opener against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, the Katipunan-based squad was quick to orchestrate a four-game winning stretch in their following matches. Thanks to their improved defense and sharpened offensive execution, the Blue Eagles managed to gain momentum as they drew closer to the round’s conclusion. 

Despite this hot streak, costly turnovers against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Lady Tigresses fenced Ateneo’s momentum, leading to a 67-90 loss to the España-based squad. However, the Blue and White proved quick on their feet by shutting down the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to shatter the latter’s once-perfect record. Through the steady scoring of Calago, Dela Rosa, Villacruz, and now-former Blue Eagle Jhazmin Joson, Ateneo efficiently neutralized their Katipunan neighbor’s offensive threats, securing a much-needed victory to end the initial cycle of games.

After a remarkable first round, the Blue and White produced a mixed bag of results thereafter, securing three wins and four losses. Despite this, the Blue Eagles managed to hang on to an 8-6 record, securing the final seed in the Final Four after a resounding victory against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws. In the postseason, however, Ateneo found themselves outclassed by the top-seeded Bulldogs—the same faction that eliminated them the previous season.

One of the most notable advancements of the AWBT last season was the improvement in team chemistry. The familiarity and synergy that developed over the course of the season allowed the Blue and White to implement plays with greater precision.

For instance, the Joson-Dela Rosa duo, often likened to the iconic  Shaq-Kobe pairing, became a formidable force on the court. Their on-court connection was evident in their ability to execute complex plays and make crucial contributions during high-pressure moments. This enhanced synergy propelled the squad even further, showcasing their growth from a formative period in Season 85 to a more cohesive unit in Season 86.

However, the past seasons also showed that there remains to be a lot of untapped potential within the squad. Focusing on their second-round misfortunes, the Blue Eagles were prone to committing crucial turnovers, leading to multiple missed scoring opportunities.

Granted that Calago’s emergence as one of last season’s premier guards was a reliable source of offensive stability, the team as a whole must be able to up the ante when it is needed the most. Though now, having extra experience under their belt, the Blue Eagles are certainly more poised to take on high-stakes affairs.

Queen Eagle’s departure 

Eury: Marked by an emotional send-off and a bittersweet farewell, former Team Captain Joson’s exit from the roster left the Blue Eagles with a significant void to fill.

Throughout the years, the 25-year-old cager has become a familiar and formidable face in the collegiate league. Working her way up from once being a newcomer in Season 80, Joson has undoubtedly cemented herself as one of Ateneo’s most esteemed floor generals. Her remarkable achievements, including a triple-double in Season 85 and a season-high performance in the following year, have ultimately set the tone for the team’s tradition of excellence.

Even with the former Blue Eagle’s departure, Joson’s former co-captain Villacruz has renewed her leadership role and is set to orchestrate the team in the new season. Another mainstay in the squad, Villacruz is nothing short of exceptional, having perfected her craft in the paint while also possessing a deep understanding of the team’s chemistry on and off the court.

Joining Villacruz is junior standout Calago, whose bold plays and exceptional performances on the floor turned heads last season. A minted member of Season 86’s Mythical Five, Calago complimented Joson’s backcourt play with his agility and court vision that was consistent on a game-to-game basis.

Finally, the cornerstone Dela Rosa, who is now in her junior year, is set to take on even larger expectations as one of the faces of UAAP women’s basketball. Formerly one half of a dynamic duo with Joson, Dela Rosa’s monstrous presence on the hardwood will be crucial in shouldering the responsibility left behind by her former teammate. Now, the 6’0” reigning MVP will have to do what it takes to lead the title-seeking AWBT with the same drive that defined their partnership.

Alongside the veterans, the Blue and White are set to welcome a band of fresh talent to the nest. Before commencing their UAAP stint, the squad is poised to embrace the challenge of blending the old with the new, stepping into the breach left by Joson’s departure.

Hotshot rookies 

Diego & Eury: An influx of rookies finds their way to the Blue Eagles’ nest, as six new faces are ready to make a name for themselves.

Among the rookies stands Gilas youth star Kai Oani. Taking charge at the point, the recruit from St. Joseph in California looks to step up and fill the void that Joson left. While she averaged 15 points per game in her senior year of high school, the California native can also be a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor with her lockdown defense.

In an interview with the Tiebreaker Times, Coach LA Mumar hints at the extensive promise and capabilities the 18-year-old guard has to offer. “We’re thrilled that Kai chose to join us. Her potential is immense, and we anticipate her making an immediate impact for our team,” he stated. “With confidence, we believe she’ll step into the significant role left by Jhaz and excel in the years ahead.”

Oani is not the only overseas recruit who chose to play for Ateneo. Fellow Californian Kat Salgado and Texas native Nic Aguirre will also take to the hardwood for the Blue and White. Algoma University transferee Gracie Batongbakal also steps in with hopes of being a fine contributor in the backcourt.

Combo guard and homegrown talent Lauren Lopez is also among the many new prospects looking to provide the Blue Eagles with a much-needed boost in playmaking and shooting.

Finally, Rish Olivenza is slated to debut as a solid weapon in Ateneo’s frontcourt. The former Red Lion is known for being a player to get it done from under the post while also flashing marksmanship abilities from long distance.

Following a major overhaul in their roster, the AWBT has shown that they are eager to take it to the next level. Having a great group of leaders coupled with a stellar class of rookies, this team is ready to take on any challenge this upcoming season with greatness in their sight.

This week’s games:

Sunday, September 8, at 3:30 PM, vs University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at the Adamson University Gym

Wednesday, September 11, at 1:30 PM, vs University of Santo Tomas Lady Tigresses at the Smart Araneta Coliseum