Ateneo is on the brink of missing out on the Final Four.
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses end another streak in UAAP Season 85 of women's volleyball.
On Saturday, they overpowered the Ateneo Blue Eagles in four sets, 25-22, 25-20, 27-29, 25-21.
The victory effectively gives the Golden Tigresses their first eliminations sweep of the Blue Eagles since Season 71.
Eya Laure roared as the Queen Tigress with her 27 points, coming off 23 attacks and four blocks, along with 16 excellent digs. But it was middle blocker Imee Hernandez who won the hunt, with her career-high 24 points.
Three of those were blocks. And Hernandez's 15th deflection of the season turned out to be the game-winner against the gutsy Ateneo.
It was so good, Laure couldn't help herself and just had to pinch Hernandez on the cheek during the post-match interview.
Hernandez though kept a matter-of-fact tone about her performance.
"Ginampanan ko lang talaga 'yung role ko," she told the media after the match, "Ipakita 'yung maturity na dapat meron kami."
This leadership was apparent when she spoke to her teammates during huddles and especially after they received a yellow card.
"Kaya namin and hindi kami bibitaw," she shared to reporters.
It was especially sweet for the now 8-3 UST, since Ateneo ended their championship hopes during the Season 81 finals and the Season 84 stepladder semifinals.
Faith Nisperos' heroic 31-point performance, buoyed by Vanie Gandler's 11 points, and Lyann De Guzman's 10, were not enough to force a fifth set.
The Blue Eagles drop to 4-7 and will be officially eliminated if the National University Lady Bulldogs defeat the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Sunday. Should this happen, Ateneo's Final Four streak since Season 72 will come to an end.
UST meanwhile, boasting of ending the De La Salle Lady Spikers' UAAP Season 85 winning streak and dealing NU's first loss since Season 81, will be going on their merry way for the final stretch of the month. They will take on FEU on April 23, NU on April 26, and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on April 30.
"Ang maganda, yung gusto nami mangyari, 'yun 'yung nagtapos sa laro," coach Kungfu Reyes told the media. "'Yun 'yung magandang indication na we're on the right path."
"Yung ine-aim namin na Final Four appearance, ito na, medyo malapit na sa katotohanan."
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)