MANILA – Sophia Beatriz “Sobe” Buena made a resounding season debut as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles swept University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After missing Ateneo’s first two games due to a minor injury, Buena made her presence felt with 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions as the Blue Eagles improved to a 1-2 win-loss slate.
“It feels really good to be able to be back on the court because I think not just for us 12 on the court, not just for the coaching staff, but for the Ateneo community and for Zel (Tsunashima) and JLo (Jennifer delos Santos). We’re really grateful that we got this win,” Buena said postgame.
Lyann De Guzman provided ample support with 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions, while Alexa Miner tallied 12 points on seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace with three excellent digs for Ateneo.
“When everybody plays good, the team will be good,” Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso said after the game. “In this match, our service worked to our plan. Our service is our first attack, and this impression in the match is so important.”
Aklanon Irah Jaboneta was the lone Fighting Maroon who breached double digits with 11 points to go along with 10 excellent receptions and two excellent digs. They suffered their first loss in three games.
Meanwhile, defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs overcame a resilient Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws side for a 25-15, 23-25, 24-26, 25-23, 15-8 victory.
Alyssa Solomon led the Lady Bulldogs with 23 points, including 19 attacks and four blocks, while Mhicaela Belen added 21 points, highlighted by seven aces. Evangeline Alinsug also stepped up with 19 points.
After conceding the first two points of the fifth set to the Lady Tamaraws, the Lady Bulldogs surged ahead to a 9-4 lead, capitalizing on errors from FEU and powerful plays from Solomon, Belen, and Sheena Toring.
The Lady Tamaraws narrowed the gap to 7-10, but the Lady Bulldogs responded with attacks from Alinsug and Belen, along with blocks from Erin Pangilinan and Arah Panique, to secure a come-from-behind victory./PN
