UAAP: Ateneo sends UE to another winless campaign

Ateneo celebrates after beating UE in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo notched its second win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the expense of winless University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 29-27, at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.

Although eliminated from the Final Four race, the Blue Eagles improved to a 2-11 record, sweeping the Lady Warriors in their head-to-head. Ateneo also beat UE in straight sets in the first round.

“We tried to do our best all the time. It didn’t matter if we started good or not as long as we tried our best all the time,” coach Sergio Veloso said.

“In the end, we gave a good fight. Our focus continued but it was hard.”

UE ended its campaign winless as it finished with a 0-14 record for the second straight year

The last time the Lady Warriors won was in their final game of Season 86 at the expense of University of the Philippines on April 27, 2024.

“For me I’m just happy because I did my role,” Dona De Leon said after leading Ateneo in the win with 14 points built on 11 attacks, two blocks and an ace. “We’ll definitely bounce back next season but right now I’m happy.”

Jihan Chuatico followed suit with 12 to her name. KC Cortez paced the Blue Eagles with 22 excellent sets with three points to match.

Khy Cepada left it all on the floor with 18 points for UE but it was all for naught. Van Bangayan’s 12-point afternoon was also put to waste.

Ateneo still has a chance to finish the season with back-to-back wins as the Blue Eagles still have a final game on Wednesday when they take on Far Eastern University at Araneta Coliseum.