By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles bounced back from a loss to Adamson and handed the University of the Philippines (UP) a sweeping defeat, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22, in the ongoing UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament last April 12, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Eager to avoid another back-to-back losing slump in a must-win phase to salvage their season, the Blue Eagles immediately had their imprints on the game by putting emphasis on their cross-court spike kills.
Ateneo’s superstar Faith Nisperos quickly let her presence felt and spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ early assault by outsmarting the UP middle blockers with her craftiness.
As a result of her consistent outing in just three sets, Nisperos grabbed the spotlight once again for Ateneo and finished with 17 markers and seven excellent digs.
Roma Mae Doromal also had an efficient performance manning the Ateneo floor coverage and tallied 18 excellent receptions and 18 excellent digs.
Despite a valiant fightback from the Fighting Maroons that kept things close in the third and final set, Ateneo was able to weather the storm and counter back with a 3-0 run that fended off UP’s final attempt to clinch a set and force an extension.
Backstopping Nisperos in the offensive department for the Blue Eagles are Vanie Gandler and Lyann De Guzman who contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
With the win, the Blue Eagles improved to four wins and six losses and are now sitting in the no. 6 spot of the standings.
Ateneo will have to win their remaining games against the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and National University (NU) if they want to book another UAAP Final Four ticket.
