The Ateneo Blue Eagles regain their winning ways midway through UAAP Season 87 as they end a three-game slump by beating the UE Lady Warriors.
Among the slumping teams, it was the Ateneo Blue Eagles who scored a breakthrough.
The Katipunan side broke out of their three-game losing streak after surviving the listless UE Lady Warriors, 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13, to end their first round in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Despite falling behind by a set twice, the injury-hit Blue Eagles dug deep to take their second win of the season, thanks to a 23-point performance from AC Miner.
Zey Pacia had an all-around effort with a triple-double of 17 points, 14 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions in the victory.
In the fifth set, Ateneo looked firmly in control when they arrived comfortably at match point, 14-8, after a Robi Silla attack.
But UE would just not go away, as Van Bangayan willed them back into the game.
With their backs against the wall, UE went on a 5-0 run — four of which were from Bangayan, to get within one, 14-13.
Still, the Blue Eagles were not to be denied as Lyann De Guzman provided the finishing blow just in time to take the hard fought victory.
Like Pacia, De Guzman also finished with at triple-double of 17 points, 13 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions. Ateneo thus improves to 2-5 for the season.
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Meanwhile, UE remain winless at 0-7.
Bangayan led UE in the losing effort with 24 markers. KC Cepada added 10 markers.