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Ateneo sweeps UP to secure first UAAP victory of the season
Ateneo de Manila University claimed its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament by sweeping the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, in their Battle of Katipunan matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
The Blue Eagles took a commanding 18-9 lead in the third set before UP managed to score three consecutive points to stop the run.
However, Sobe Buena sparked a late rally, helping Ateneo push the score to 23-17. An AC Miner block then set up the match point, and although Niña Ytang managed to save one match point, Buena sealed the victory for Ateneo.
Buena, who had been limited in Ateneo’s first two losses due to injury recovery, made a strong return just when her team needed her most, leading with 17 points from 15-of-27 attacking efficiency.
Team captain Lyann de Guzman also played a key role, scoring 14 markers with 12 attacks and two aces, while experienced blocker AC Miner added 12 points, including seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace.
PHOTO COURTESY: UAAP MEDIA
“With all that has happened, including our sacrifices these past few months, of course we’re so happy because we got this first win,” De Guzman said in Filipino.
“I hope that it boosts our confidence and we can work on improving our skills, since we know what we can truly give in the game.”
Ateneo’s victory was their first in three games and ended UP's undefeated streak. Ateneo dominated in attack points, with 48 compared to UP's 30, and also had a solid floor defense, registering 35 digs to UP's 25.
Taks Fujimoto's playmaking was crucial for Ateneo, as she set up 14 of their 17 excellent sets. Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso highlighted the importance of strong teamwork, crediting Fujimoto's excellent setting for helping the spikers perform well.
"When everybody plays good, the team will be good," he emphasized. "I give my congrats to Taks because when the spikers play good, it is because the setter plays very good. Especially in this match, our service worked to our plan. Our service is our first attack and this impression in the match, it's so important."
On the other hand, UP fielded a new starting six, replacing the lineup that led them to two wins, and leaned on Irah Jaboneta, who led the Maroons with 11 markers and 10 receptions in the loss.
While Joan Monares and Kianne Olango were limited to just three points each, a significant drop from their previous performances where they averaged 18.0 and 16.0 points per game, respectively.
Ateneo will aim to build on this win when they face the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws on March 2 at the same Pasay venue, while the Fighting Maroons will try to bounce back when they battle against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers on the same day.
