It was not the fairy tale that Ateneo had dreamed when season 87 of the UAAP began, but it was a finish whose Blue Eagles could still be proud.
Wounded but not eaten, Ateneo closed his campaign with a serious victory 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 27-25 against the University of the East (EU) on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, slamming a skid of four games and giving the faithful Katipunan an overview of what could be on the horizon.
The intermediate blocker Jihan Chuatico was standing in the final stand of Ateneo, offering a performance of 16 points which helped the Blue Eagles to seal a 5-9 victory record. Despite the team’s labor problems, Ateneo was on the end of the previous season.
“I think it’s going to be very brilliant, especially with the recruits we have. They are very courageous and mentally strong,” said Chuatico in Philippin, speaking of the team’s future after the match. “I just hope that more and more people will support us because we already have the skills necessary to challenge the best teams next year.”
The Blue Eagles entered the season overflowing with potential, only to see him derail by a series of injuries to key players JLO Delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima and Sobe Buena. It was a cruel touch for a team that had great hopes to return to the Final Four.
“I had great expectations in this season, in particular with Zel, Jlo and Sobe. Our team was quite strong. But that said, we did not expect what happened,” said the captain of the Lyann team from Guzman, who produced 13 points, 18 excellent excavations and 17 excellent receptions in an outing filled with character. “I am always happy because we achieved our goal, which was to show that even with lean programming, we could always compete.”
De Guzman, who has often transported Ateneo through difficult stretches this season, has remained a symbol of coherence and leadership. Throughout the difficulties of Blue Eagles, it has become anchor, offering full efforts that maintained the competitive team even when the chances seemed to be stacked against them.
“I am very happy with my teammates because they really intensified,” she said. “Everyone was ready. We have all ensured our roles, regardless of the size or the little one. ”
Dark end
Although Ateneo’s victory gave a glimmer of hope, it was a dark end for the EU. The Lady Red Warriors, unable to win a single victory this season, saw their efforts fail despite lightning of individual shine, such as the performance of 16 points by Nessa Bangayan on Saturday.
As for Ateneo, a large part of his future remains intertwined with the decisions of stars like Guzman, who is still a year of eligibility but has not yet confirmed his plans for season 88.
“It’s still difficult to say,” said Guzman when he was asked for his return. “Right now, I’m just grateful for everything we have overcome.”
For the moment, the Blue Eagles can comfort themselves knowing that they have not simply survived a difficult season – they fought until the very last point, by building a foundation that they hope to bring them back to the place where they believe they belong, among the elite of the UAAP. – Sportsmith of the Inquirer
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has succeeded.
