As the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament draws closer, gain deeper insight into the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball Team (AWVT) through this season preview. From key changes to offseason preparation, learn more about the Blue Eagles as they target a return to the Final Four.
ENDURING LAST season’s seventh-place finish, the AWVT launches their resurgence effort with a promising pool of young blood and returning veterans. As the Blue Eagles mark their third consecutive year without a Final Four appearance, a renewed focus is expected for the season opener.
In an injury-plagued year, the Blue and White concluded UAAP Season 87 with a 5-9 win-loss record—an identical record to their Season 86 campaign. Putting a season full of ‘what-ifs’ and adversity behind, Ateneo remains keen on improving on their system and capitalizing on the return of key veterans this season.
With a diverse roster filled with talent, discipline, and determination, Season 88 may prove to be the recipe for success that would finally allow the Blue Eagles to reestablish themselves as a force in collegiate volleyball.
Setting the tone
Gabrielle: With the hopes of regaining their competitive edge, the Blue Eagles maximized their preseason undertakings to reorient and recalibrate strategies in preparation for Season 88. Having a relentless pursuit for growth, Ateneo took part in the V-League Collegiate Challenge and Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup. However, the Blue and White experienced mixed outcomes, leaving questions on their place in the UAAP hierarchy for the coming season.
The Blue Eagles stepped into the limelight of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the expense of a three-game losing skid. The onset of the tournament witnessed error-plagued sets and lapses in the team dynamics. Yet, the timely addition of rookies Dona De Leon and Ana Hermosura significantly contributed to the in-court adjustments necessary for the Blue Eagles.
Eventually, veteran Blue Eagle Zey Pacia powered through a climactic four-setter against Arellano University to mark their first win of the tournament. Down the stretch, the Blue Eagles’ performance across elimination rounds placed them in the fourth rank with a 5-6 win-loss record.
Following their V-League stint, the Blue and White emerged headstrong in their battle against the SSL Preseason Unity Cup’s fiercest competitors. In an effort to establish a winning formula, the Blue Eagles opened the tournament with a set-sweep victory against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Lady Altas, 3-0. However, this win was short-lived as they yielded to the hands of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R) Lady Stags after a five-set thriller.
Following this loss, the Blue Eagles struggled to regain rhythm in court. Consequently, Ateneo witnessed consecutive straight-set losses to their UAAP counterparts, the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons and the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, in the second round of the tournament. The tournament ended with a 2-4 win-loss record for the Blue Eagles.
Despite the impressive wing play of sophomores Jihan Chuatico and Alex Montoro, the Blue Eagles remained a work in progress. Evident defensive lapses plagued these preseason matches–proving that floor defense was a needed area of focus.
Head Coach Sergio Veloso’s lineup experimentations throughout the preseason have also sparked discussion and concern among the Ateneo community. With a continuous pursuit to refine systems, many fans argued that the constant role shakeups disrupted the Blue Eagles’ rhythm and on-court chemistry. While tinkering with different lineups is necessary during the offseason, the Blue Eagles must find a way to strike a balance between adaptability and stability in the more unforgiving UAAP grind.
Although the Blue and White present themselves as an underdog coming into UAAP Season 88, the Katipunan-based unit remains steadfast in working towards a return to their winning ways using the invaluable lessons they carry from their preseason performances.
Veteran valor
Diego: Destined to anchor the Blue Eagles’ quest for a Final Four seat is a veteran core fervent on translating experience into tangible success for the Katipunan-based squad.
Among the many standouts are the much-anticipated returns of hard-hitters JLo Delos Santos and Zel Tsunashima, who are set to make their triumphant comeback to the taraflex after a slew of season-ending injuries the year prior. With Delos Santos’ ability to convert in transition and Tsunashima’s aggressive wing attacks adding depth to the rotation, expect them to deliver a significant boost for the Blue and White’s offensive firepower.
In the same light, junior hotshot Pacia enters UAAP Season 88 fully recovered and ready for action. After sustaining a knee injury and navigating the challenges of returning to full form last season, the veteran took time in the offseason to rebuild both physically and mentally. Now, the opposite hitter brings renewed confidence and grit to Ateneo’s roster, ready to provide the stability and seniority the Blue Eagles will rely on in crucial stretches. Another essential piece of Ateneo’s attack line is outside hitter Yssa Nisperos. Known for her powerful spikes, Nisperos also adjusts against well-formed blocks and gives the Blue and White a dependable option in high-pressure sequences. As one of the more battle-tested players during the preseason, she enters Season 88 primed to shoulder a heavier scoring load.
Rounding out the experienced unit is Team Captain Taks Fujimoto, who enters her final year of eligibility. Having established herself as the Blue Eagles’ primary setter, the Ateneo de Davao alumna looks to make her last season count. Backed by fellow setters Liz Lomocso and KC Cortez, Fujimoto’s management of the system and her ability to get the most out of Ateneo’s attackers will be central to the Blue Eagles’ success this season.
With veteran leadership steering the course and key scorers ready to rise to the occasion, the Blue Eagles’ foundation is firmly set. Should this experienced core deliver on all fronts, Season 88 may see the Blue and White making noise as the season progresses.
New kids on the block
Mario: After a tumultuous run hounded by injuries in Season 87, the Blue Eagles eagerly enter Season 88 with renewed hope, much to the credit of an offseason that has brought a number of new faces to the Blue and White. Adding much-needed youth to the veteran core of the Blue and White, the Blue Eagles’ pool of rookies and sophomores looks to make their mark in the upcoming season.
Headlining the rookie class are Bacolod Tay Tung High School standouts De Leon and Hermosura, who look to carry on their winning ways as they start their journey with Ateneo. De Leon, a 5’8” 19-year old middle blocker, brings a towering presence at the net, highlighted by her Finals Most Valuable Player and Best Middle blocker award in the 2024 U18 National Championships. Meanwhile, the recruitment of Hermosura has already paid dividends for the Blue Eagles, as the outside hitter has strutted her wares in the SSL. Combining power with precision, both De Leon and Hermosura look to play major roles in Ateneo’s rebuilding process.
In addition to De Leon and Hermosura, the Blue Eagles also called upon the services of walk-in Libero Stephanie De Chavez, who joins sophomore Fiona Arroyo in defending the Blue Eagles’ backline. A product of the University of Batangas, De Chavez claimed the title of Best Libero in her championship run in the 2025 PRISAA Nationals, while Arroyo aims to build upon a rookie season filled with promise.
To round out the young core, the Blue Eagles look to rely upon the improvements of second-year standouts Chuatico and Rob Silla. The sophomore duo aim to impose a daunting frontline to compete against, as both players’ explosive attacks through the middle are sure to challenge their opposition.
While each player provides a distinct skillset that fills the gaps of the Ateneo system, their collective impact may ultimately shape the rebuild and trajectory for the Blue Eagles for years to come. Though we are yet to see how much opportunity will be provided to these up-and-coming players, early signs suggest that the youthful pool is poised to contribute meaningfully in Season 88, and beyond.
Upcoming games:
Sunday, February 15, at 1:00 PM, vs. AdU Lady Falcons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
Sunday, February 22, at 1:00 PM, vs. UP Fighting Maroons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM, vs. University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Last Season’s Standings (W-L):
- NU Lady Bulldogs (12-2)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (9-5)
- UST Golden Tigresses (9-5)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (9-5)
- AdU Lady Falcons (6-8)
- UP Fighting Maroons (6-8)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (5-9)
- UE Lady Red Warriors (0-14)
