By Fonz Bautista

By Soleina Vasquez

The final whistle of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Girls’ Volleyball Tournament echoed around the premises of the Paco Arena, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles closing their season at the expense of stumbling against the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups for a 12–25, 11–25, 15–25 standing on Monday, December 1.

Team Captain Jelena Dait led the roster with 5 attacks and 2 digs, as Ainsly Santiago posted 3 kills and dove for 8 digs, while Luanne Atienza chipped in 3 attacks and a dig.

“We are a new team with members coming in and out every year, and our goal was to gel as a team and move as one on the court,” Dait said on team growth during the season. 

She added, “Looking back on this season, I think we’ve been able to do it and even surpass the levels of team chemistry that most expect from us.”

The first set was a heavy assignment for the Blue and White as they gave a 13-point lead to NUNS right off the bat, 12–25, yet the second set blew a more difficult start to overcome for the Eagles as the lead extended to 14 points for the Bullpups, 11–25.

The squad was clinging to life in the last set but pushed through an even stronger fight, capitalizing on open tips and quick attacks to momentarily halt NUNS’ momentum. Despite their efforts, the Bullpups’ consistency at the net kept Ateneo at bay, sealing the three-set sweep at 15–25.

After the match, emotions ran high for the team, especially for the seniors, closing their final UAAP run. “There were definitely a lot of tears from the team, especially from the seniors. Being in the Senior High School only gives us so much time to give back to the team and the school.”

“In this short-lived season, we all had our own moments of joy and sadness. We carry with us our victories and regrets,” Dait shared.

Still, the captain emphasized that the match became a turning point in their mindset. “The NU game taught us the importance of seizing our own moments. We may have lost that game, but it was special for us because everything was working…This time, we left everything we had and walked away with no regrets.”

Looking ahead, Dait expressed confidence in the team’s trajectory. “The future is bright if they continue to believe. Their season is not defined by what the results show, but by the resilience and growth shown every single day,” she said.

She also extended gratitude on behalf of the squad: “To the Ateneo community and every supporter who believed in us…Your faith in us has fueled the fires of our passions. We hope to make you proud.”

The team closed the season with a 1–13 standing after besting the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) in their October 15 face-off, securing a straight-set sweep, 25–23, 25–17, 25–18.