It wasn’t the fairy-tale ending Ateneo had dreamed of when UAAP Season 87 began, but it was a finish the Blue Eagles could still be proud of.

Wounded but unbowed, Ateneo closed its campaign with a gritty 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 27-25 victory over University of the East (UE) on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, snapping a four-game skid and giving the Katipunan faithful a glimpse of what could be on the horizon.

Middle blocker Jihan Chuatico stood tall in Ateneo’s final stand, delivering a 16-point performance that helped the Blue Eagles seal a 5-9 win-loss record. Despite the team’s manpower woes, Ateneo matched its finish from the previous season.

“I think it’s going to be very bright, especially with the rookies that we have. They’re very brave and strong mentally,” Chuatico said in Filipino, talking about the team’s future after the match. “I just hope that more and more people will support us because we already have the skills to challenge the top teams next year.”

The Blue Eagles entered the season brimming with potential, only to see it derailed by a string of injuries to key players JLo delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima and Sobe Buena. It was a cruel twist for a squad that had high hopes of returning to the Final Four.

“I had big expectations coming into this season, especially with Zel, JLo and Sobe. Our team was quite strong. But that said, we didn’t expect what happened,” said team captain Lyann De Guzman, who produced 13 points, 18 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions in a character-filled outing. “I’m still happy because we achieved our goal, which was to show that even with a lean lineup, we could still compete.”

De Guzman, who often carried Ateneo through tough stretches this season, remained a symbol of consistency and leadership. Throughout the Blue Eagles’ struggles, she became the anchor, delivering all-around efforts that kept the team competitive even when the odds seemed stacked against them.

“I’m very happy with my teammates because they really stepped up,” she said. “Everyone was ready. We all took on our roles no matter how big or small.”

Somber end

While Ateneo’s win provided a glimmer of hope, it was a somber end for UE. The Lady Red Warriors, unable to secure a single victory this season, saw their efforts fall short despite flashes of individual brilliance, such as Nessa Bangayan’s 16-point performance on Saturday.

As for Ateneo, much of its future remains intertwined with the decisions of standouts like De Guzman, who still has one year of eligibility but has yet to confirm her plans for Season 88.

“It’s still hard to say,” De Guzman said when asked about her return. “Right now, I’m just grateful for everything we were able to overcome.”

For now, the Blue Eagles can take solace in knowing they didn’t just survive a difficult season—they fought until the very last point, building a foundation they hope will lead them back to where they believe they belong, among the UAAP’s elite. —INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF