THE ATENEO Blue Eagles began their preseason campaign with a resounding victory against the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), 29–27, 25–20, 24–26, 25-14. The opening match of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals was held earlier today, August 22, at the Mandaue City Sports Complex, Cebu.
This strong start puts the Blue Eagles at 1-0, allowing them to take the lead in the rankings at the current stage of the tournament.
The early minutes of the matchup saw UPSF take control through quick offense and stout defense, establishing a 5-8 lead that forced an early Ateneo timeout. Looking to bounce back, Blue Eagle middle blocker Jihan Chuatico delivered a pair of attacks to narrow the lead, 8-10.
As the game progressed, the Blue Eagles heavily relied on Rob Silla and Zey Pacia’s attacks with the help of well-placed sets from Team Captain Taks Fujimoto, which put the game in a tie at 11-11. However, three consecutive attack errors prompted another timeout as momentum began to shift back to the side of the Lady Panthers, 16-19.
Refusing to back down, the Blue Eagles continued to find Silla as the middle blocker generated three clutch attacks to tie the game, 23-23. Faye Nisperos then stepped up down the stretch, executing two kills from the wings and extending the set, 25-25.
Although both teams took turns producing points, the Blue Eagles ultimately sealed the set due to a crucial service error from the Lady Panthers and a check-ball point from Pacia, 29-27.
Despite the Lady Panthers drawing first blood at the start of the second frame, 1-0, Rosal Selga’s attack from the center and Pacia’s ace triggered a 4-0 run, giving them an early three-point lead, 4-1. USPF then showed signs of life after a pair of quick hits, which cut the lead to one, 4-3. However, AWVT seized control and spoiled the Lady Panthers’ momentum as they responded with a 6-1 run powered by Hora’s back-to-back attacks, 10-4.
Ateneo’s hot streak was extinguished by the Lady Panthers as the latter intensified their offense and capitalized on the Blue and White’s errors. Towards the end of the set, USPF’s Juciel Nadera scored back-to-back aces that trimmed the lead to two, 22-20, but Selga and Ana Hermosura quickly regained control to close the set after delivering three deadly attacks, 25-20.
Aiming to get back into the match, the Lady Panthers clawed their way through a highly-contested third set, taking the frame 24-26 after a tough back and forth from both sides. This crucial win secured a fourth set for USPF, keeping their hopes alive as they looked to mount a comeback.
Eager to contain the Lady Panthers and prevent a five-setter, the Blue Eagles kept their foot on the gas from the get-go of the fourth canto. The Blue and White remained in the driver’s seat after fighting at full tilt and unleashing multiple offensive schemes to neutralize the opponent’s firepower and tactics.
Leaving USPF with no breathing room, the Katipunan-based squad took advantage of the collapsing Lady Panthers and struck them to the jugular, 25-14, ultimately clinching their first win of the tournament.
Looking to nab their second consecutive win, the Blue Eagles will face the University of San Carlos on Saturday, August 23, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.
Set scores:
Ateneo(3)-USPF(1) : 29–27, 25–20, 24–26, 25–14
Current Standings (W-L):
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (1-0)
- USC (0-0)
- ADU (0-0)
- USPF (0-1)
