The Ateneo Blue Eagles against the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Ateneo de Manila University has finally clinched its first win in UAAP Season 86.

The Blue Eagles defeated the UP Fighting Maroons, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22 25-17, 15-9, during their women’s volleyball tournament clash on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

Lyann De Guzman scored a career-high of 24 points that were built on 19 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while also delivering 18 receptions and 11 digs.

Sobe Buena had 18 markers to follow up, while Zel Tsunashima and AC Minder had 12 and 11, respectively.

“Of course, I want to congratulate my team and staff. What’s most important is our team kept playing after losing the first two sets,” said Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso following the game as he credited his team’s resilience. 

“The players continued playing with a strong mind. They never gave up. It’s so important. We used all the opportunities in this match.”

After winning the first two sets, UP saw themselves down by four, 20-16, midway through the third canto as Ateneo looked to avoid a sweep.

The Maroons scored four straight points to tie the game, but the Blue Eagles answered by scoring two straight for a 22-20 cushion, and they took advantage of this to produce a 24-22 lead.

Following an unsuccessful challenge from head coach Oliver Almadro Almadro, a De Guzman kill sealed the third for Ateneo, and she continued her strong play in the fourth set that allowed them to produce a 13-8 lead.

Errors from the Fighting Maroons led to them facing a 16-9 deficit in the fourth, while De Guzman put on the finishing touches to force a deciding set.

Ateneo continued their onslaught in the decider, and this propelled the Blue Eagles to 1-2 in the standings. The Blue Eagles also extended their win streak against UP to eight games. 

Meanwhile, this is UP’s 14th straight loss since Season 85. They were led by Steph Bustrillo who had 17 markers while Heart Magsombol got 12. 

The Blue Eagles will be facing rival De La Salle University on Saturday at 12 PM., while the Fighting Maroons will be hoping to finally tally a win as they clash with the four-peat-seeking National University on the same day at 10 AM.

Both games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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