Ateneo’s Jihan Chuatico during a game against UE in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo made sure to end its UAAP Season 87 campaign on a good note on Saturday, pocketing a 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 27-25 victory at the expense of University of the East at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles leaned on Jihan Chuatico to halt a four-game slide in the showcase and give the Katipunan-based squad something to look forward to next year.

“I think it’s going to be very bright, especially with the rookies that we have. They’re very brave and strong mentally,” the middle blocker said in Filipino, following a 16-point outing that helped Ateneo rise to a 5-9 win-loss mark despite its roster getting wrecked by a manpower crisis.

READ: UAAP: UST Tigresses sweep Ateneo to boost Final Four bid

Despite finishing with a 5-9 record, Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso still cites some silver linings for the Blue Eagles in #UAAPSeason87. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4c0UiOp4ZB

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 26, 2025

“I just hope that more and more people get to support us because we already have the skills to challenge top teams next year,” she went on.

An old power looking to reclaim past glory, the Blue Eagles lost JLo delos Santos, Zel Tsunashima, and Sobe Buena to injuries.

“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. I’m still happy because we got to achieve our goals this year—which was to show that even with a lean lineup, we were still capable of competing,” said skipper Lyann de Guzman, who finished with a 13-point, 18-dig, 17-reception triple-double.

READ: UAAP: Mikole Reyes spreads the wealth in La Salle win over Ateneo

Ateneo matched its record from last season and leaves a lot to the imagination about what this year could’ve been with its three standouts healthy.

If only the Lady Red Warriors could say the same about themselves. With a winless campaign, there was not much to really discuss.

Nessa Bangayan had 16 points for UE, which missed out on building on its three-win haul from last season.