By Fonz Bautista

By Maxine Agno

The Ateneo Blue Eagles concluded their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Boys’ Volleyball Tournament campaign with a tough 0–14 win-loss card after their final match against the University of the East (UE), which ended with a final tally of 0–3 on Friday, November 28, at the Paco Arena.

The match opened with a first set in favor of the Warriors, leaving the Eagles behind at 12–25. Ateneo found a better rhythm in the second set, managing to lessen the gap, 17–25. However, the Blue Shirts were denied a chance to stage a comeback in the closing set with a 7–25 finish. 

Standout plays were led by Offense Captain Ethan Joseph Rivera with 9 attacks, 2 digs and 7 receives. Team Captain Lucas Miguel Garcia directed the net defense with 9 excellent sets, 1 block, and 2 digs. 

Meanwhile, Defense Captain Avila anchored the floor defense with 4 successful digs and 3 receptions. Ymanuel Antonio Cervantes also contributed 3 attacks and 2 digs.

The final standings reflected the difficult campaign for the squad, who finished the season at the bottom of the eight-team league. 

Despite the team’s record, individual players shined by earning recognition among the league’s best in their respective positions. Garcia was awarded 5th Best Setter, Avila as 6th Best Digger, and Xavier Castillo as 7th Best Receiver

Avila reflected on his final season with the team, describing it as a period filled with invaluable lessons. As a player who has been part of the team for two years, he chose to define the season by opportunity, not results.

“This season was filled with opportunities for growth. Even if we are not the tallest or the strongest of the bunch, we have continuously grown and improved over the years,” he expressed.

The libero added, “It is indeed saddening and morale-breaking that we did not get any wins in this season. However, throughout the whole season, I could say this was the season that we gained the most improvements and learnings because of our goals.”

As one of the graduating captains, Avila admitted the pressure was immense, but the personal bonds were stronger. “It felt very pressuring. Knowing that this is my last chance to be able to cement a legacy in the school, I wanted to integrate my name as a player who is part of the history.”

He concluded, “The most important thing to me is that I wanted to make the most of the time with my team – who I consider my brothers. Now this season has ended, the saddest thing would be to depart from the team.”

Avila’s final message centered on viewing the difficult season not as a failure but as an important step in the team’s development, especially as sole junior captain Garcia remains with the team the following season.