With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament back in full swing, this weekly series aims to analyze the state of the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball Team as they strive to return as a Final Four contender.
AFTER MONTHS of preparation and excitement leading up to the 88th season of the UAAP’s Women’s Volleyball Tournament, the Ateneo Blue Eagles faced anticipation and pressure head on. With the departure of key stalwarts Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner, the new-look squad from Katipunan had many eyes fixated on them heading into their first week of action.
Adding to the anticipation were the Bacolod Tay Tung stars Ana Hermosura and Dona De Leon, as well as the return of veterans Zey Pacia, Jihan Chuatico, and Jlo Delos Santos. Deploying a mix of youth and veteran savvy, the Blue Eagles entered the season headstrong in their quest to reclaim a spot among the UAAP elite.
However, this quest has quickly hit a few speed bumps, as back-to-back losses at the hands of the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons last February 15 and the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons last February 22 has dealt the team and its coaching unit a reality check.
Despite the rocky start, the Blue and White has shown glimpses of a team that still makes noise in Season 88. Even after a heartbreaking loss against their Katipunan rival, the fiery Blue Eagle squad showcased heart and talent that looks to propel them to greater heights in the second week.
The playmakers and the tactician
Gabrielle: The pre-season performance of AWVT highlighted the existing tension between the Ateneo community and Head Coach Sergio Veloso, particularly on his experimental fashion of the team’s in-game lineup. Fans have pointed out Veloso’s crucial decisions of reorganizing the team midgame as the main disruption to the Blue Eagles’ rhythm and on-court chemistry.
Admittedly, the Blue Eagles’ UAAP Season 88 debut was an underwhelming performance—following a disheartening 1-16 run in the third set vs. the Adamson Lady Falcons. However, the first two sets of the match witnessed Alex Montoro and Chuatico contribute to the offensive efforts of the Katipunan-based unit.
Despite this outing from the Bacolod-native sophomores, the Blue Eagles’ lack of defensive strategy ultimately fell short to the aggressive attack front of the opposition. This solidified the critical need to recalibrate strategies that balance their offensive effort with an equally defensive-heavy approach.
To bounce back from the first game loss, the Blue Eagles welcomed their second match with headstrong demeanor—displaying excellent reception and floor defense coverage in the first two sets. Courtesy of liberos Fiona Arroyo and Stephanie De Chavez, veterans Pacia and Delos Santos were stepping on solid foundations for better offensive execution.
Complimenting the veterans are standout middle blockers Chuatico and De Leon, who were able to maximize their playing time and translate their combination plays into significant points. With ecstatic energy from all ends of the court, the Blue Eagles trounced the Fighting Maroons to a dominant 2-0 advantage.
Yet, this momentum yielded in the wake of a sudden shift in the third set upon the entry of Team Captain Taks Fujimoto as a substitute to playmaker KC Cortez. Although Ateneo was able to maintain composure throughout the backend of the match, the tinkering of the lineup might have affected the stability of the players.
As the Fighting Maroons orchestrated a reverse sweep, the Blue Eagles slowly lost touch of the energy that kept them in the loop in the first two sets. In response, Ateneo fans have grown increasingly critical of the coaching staff’s decision-making, specifically in the constant tweaks to a system that had already been running efficiently.
It is, without a doubt, true that the roster is beaming with young talent. However, it is high time that the system harnesses this diverse stream of ideas and molds it into a cohesive identity—one that will eventually return the winning ways of the Blue Eagles.
When the Ateneo faithful echo the same frustrations from one season to another, it transcends beyond mere clamor. It is indicative of a community that yearns for a system that exhibits stability and clarity to regain their trust in the system that once held the Blue Eagles untouched in the UAAP summit.
Silver lining
Mario: Despite the winless start to their season, a shining light throughout their first two matches has been the performance of the team’s star-studded recruits. The passionate attacking duo of Hermosura and De Leon combined with the excellent floor defense from libero De Chavez has been a revelation thus far in Season 88. Their continuing development is vital to the team’s performance not only in this season, but also for seasons moving forward.
Hermosura has established herself as a premiere talent at the left wing, tallying 22 points thus far in her first two outings with the Blue and White. The 19-year old impressed with her repertoire of attacks, scoring from multiple angles with a variety of off-the-block attacks and powerful spikes.
What is most laudable in Hermosura’s performance is the heart she dons up her sleeve–carrying with her the love for the game and for the Blue and White. Highlighted by a terrific showcase against the Fighting Maroons, Hermosura’s talents look to shine the brightest in the biggest moments, a skill that will benefit her and the Blue Eagles for the rest of the season.
De Leon, on the other hand, has displayed the potential that many hoped to see when the former Palarong Pambansa Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) committed to the Blue Eagle program.
Showcasing an impressive net reach and quick attack agility, De Leon’s offensive prowess was on full display against UP, scoring 11 points through the middle to add another weapon at the disposal of the Ateneo coaching staff. Along with her commanding presence at the net, De Leon’s blocking has also been on full display, which will prove to be a major tool for the Ateneo rebuild.
However, the most surprising performance thus far has been that of rookie libero De Chavez. Coming into this season as a walk-in tryout, De Chavez has become the backbone of an Ateneo defense that looks revitalized in the early goings of Season 88. Equipped with fast reflexes to chase after every ball, the University of Batangas standout has been a revelation through the first two games of the season, and her emergence could very well be the stabilizing force necessary for a developing core.
Although the results early in the season have been unfavorable, the trajectory of Ateneo’s campaign may be reshaped, should these three players continue elevating their games as the season progresses.
Long awaited homecoming
Ani: Despite only two games under their belt this season, the Blue Eagles are already beginning to show glimpses of their capabilities. Aside from stellar performances of standout rookies, the return of key injured players last season has provided Ateneo with not only skills on the court, but also veteran leadership that is crucial for the development of young teams. Among those returning to the hardcourt are Jlo Delos Santos and Geezel Tsunashima, whose returns mark a big step in Ateneo’s success this campaign.
After suffering a torn left ACL injury during a tune up game back on Valentine’s Day last year, Delos Santos was sidelined for the entirety of the Season 87 campaign. Nonetheless, as the outside hitter returns to action for the Blue Eagles, she is gradually getting back into rhythm and regaining the confidence that made her a key piece in the Blue and White system.
While the Blue Eagles faced a quiet start in their first game of the season, Delos Santos provided much needed manpower against UP, tallying 21 points after finding gaps in the defense. Although the team was unable to close out the game, going up 2-0 in sets against the Casiey Dongallo-led Fighting Maroons is no small feat and only further highlighted this team’s promise.
Opposite hitter Tsunashima has also returned to the lineup after suffering a season-ending broken tibia and fibula against the Adamson Lady Falcons last season. As she works to regain her full form, Tsunashima’s presence on and off the court has provided Ateneo with more flexibility that Veloso can rely on and continue to build as the season progresses.
Even before her injury, Tsunashima had already shown her ability to make significant impacts on the scoreline. In the game against Adamson where she was sidelined, the veteran player was tied for second in points scored for the team, demonstrating her important contributions to the Blue Eagles.
Although Ateneo’s 0-2 start has been challenging, the gradual return of Delos Santos and Tsunashima to form are encouraging signs for this developing team. Should the squad put all the pieces together to find their stride this season, then no team should underestimate the Blue Eagles, regardless of what the record shows.
Upcoming games:
Wednesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM, vs. UST Golden Tigresses at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Sunday, March 1, at 1:00 PM, vs. DLSU Lady Spikers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Current Standings (W-L):
- NU Lady Bulldogs (3-0)
- DLSU Lady Spikers (2-0)
- UP Fighting Maroons (2-0)
- AdU Lady Falcons (2-1)
- FEU Lady Tamaraws (1-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (0-2)
- UST Golden Tigresses (0-2)
- UE Lady Red Warriors (0-3)
