THE ATENEO Blue Eagles’ University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 VALORANT championship run ended at the hands of the undefeated Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in the semifinals, 0-2. Despite falling out of title contention, the Blue and White will finish the tournament with a bronze medal. 

The semifinal match was held earlier today at the Quantum Skyview Deck of the Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City.

Map One (Icebox – Ateneo pick)

Starting on the defender side, the Blue Eagles suffered an immediate four-round deficit after failing to contain the Tamaraws’ repeated success with B-site rushes. During Ateneo’s early slump, FEU’s Duelist dyad of Andro Lapinid and Jadine Ladines displayed superior firepower, posting a combined 17-3 K/D (kill/death) scoreline in just the game’s early stages.

The Blue and White’s struggles persisted through the next two rounds until Alonso Lopez’s (Viper) precise flicks thwarted the Tamaraws’ constant 4-5 stacks, 2-6. Despite Ateneo’s efforts, a timeout quickly refocused the FEU squad, which immediately capitalized on Stuart De Guia’s failure to secure a single Operator pickoff. FEU’s frequent aggressive engagements eventually culminated in a dominant 10-2 start for the Morayta-based squad.

The second half started on a much-needed positive note for the Katipunan-based unit, as they secured two round wins to keep their map one hopes alive, 4-10. However, the team failed to make use of their upgraded weaponry as their attacking strategies continued to falter, 4-12. The 17th round was the final nail in Ateneo’s coffin as FEU’s Rafael Balleza (Viper) eliminated four Blue Eagles entering the B site, locking down an FEU win in map one, 13-4.

Map Two (Lotus – FEU pick)

With their backs against the wall, Ateneo started off Lotus in the attacking side composed of Team Captain Tristan Monsod’s Tejo, De Guia’s Yoru, JM Amador’s Breach, Joquin Antonio’s Vyse, and Lopez’s Omen.

Despite the Blue Eagles’ eagerness, their struggles against FEU’s aggression from the last map continued to plague them, as a mixture of failed executions and post-plants put them in another early 0-6 hole. Unwilling to leave the UAAP stage without a fight, De Guia (Yoru)’s pickoffs at C Long put Ateneo on the board, 1-6.

Slowly getting into rhythm, the Blue Eagles were able to compose themselves and win three of the next four rounds via crucial mid-round calls and clean post-plant execution, 4-7. Unfazed by Ateneo’s increasing presence in the server, however, FEU remained aggressive and regained momentum with a crucial Thrifty, ending the half with an 8-4 lead.

The second half showcased the Blue and White grit as they refused to succumb to the Tamaraws. The Green and Gold started off strong as their attacks were left unanswered, slipping past Antonio’s utility and planting the spike to win three consecutive rounds, 11-4.

A tactical pause offered Ateneo some crucial time to regroup. Recovering their confidence, Ateneo put on gritty 16th-round heroics courtesy of Antonio who pulled off a spectacular ace with a Marshal, 5-11. Bouncing off of the picturesque round, the Katipunan-based team was revitalized as they took two more rounds, 7-11. However, FEU’s Ladines and Lapinid combined their utility to pull off an amazing combo to steal match point, 12-7.

With their season on the line, the Blue Eagles refused to give up as they maintained discipline to win their gunfights, stealing rounds to boost their hopes of forcing overtime, 10-12. Despite their late effort, the 23rd round ended in gutting fashion for the Blue and White, as they were unable to make use of their superior numbers in a 3v2 retake situation, 10-13.

After the loss, outgoing senior Amador spoke on the potential of the team’s young core, as well as his excitement for what is to come.

“I really think that the kids I played with have a bright future ahead of them. I’m really glad that we’re leaving the team with them, and I’m excited to see how much they’ll grow next season,” the graduating Blue Eagle veteran said.

Following the loss, Ateneo has once again bowed out in the UAAP VALORANT semifinals for the second-straight tournament. Despite the similar finish, the Blue and White have nonetheless shown tremendous growth throughout the competition, cementing themselves as a squad not to be taken lightly.

Map Scores: (Icebox, Lotus)

Ateneo-FEU (0-2): 4-13, 10-13

Agent lineup:

Tristan Monsod (Team Captain) – Gekko, Tejo

Joaquin Antonio – Killjoy, Vyse

Stuart De Guia – Jett, Yoru

JM Amador – Sova, Breach

Alonso Lopez – Viper, Omen