Ateneo de Manila University’s Lyann de Guzman against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — (UPDATED) Ateneo de Manila University opened the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament with a hard-earned victory over University of the Philippines.

The Blue Eagles triumphed over the Fighting Maroons in a marathon five-setter, 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 30-32, 16-14 during their Round 2 opener, Saturday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Lyann de Guzman posted 25 points, 17 receptions, and 15 digs to steer the Katipunan-based spikers to their third win in five games and also tally its 11th straight victory over UP since Season 81.

"Sinasabi ko lang kanina na bigay niyo na. Hanggang hindi 15, hindi matatapos yung laro na 'to," said de Guzman, whose squad won its second straight win in the tournament. 

"We don't have only one specific special player," added ADMU head coach Sergio Veloso, pertaining to how their other players also stepped up to clinch the win. 

Miner contributed 19 points, 10 digs, and one reception, Zey Pacia showed consistency by delivering 13 markers, five digs, and five receptions, Jihan Chautico had 12 points, while Yvana Sulit finished with 11. 

"It's special for our team because we sometimes play with mistakes, but the team never gave up today. If I think about how special this is today, that's because everybody played at a high level," Veloso pointed out. 

After Ateneo saw its 11-7 advantage disappear following a seven-to-one spurt by UP, Pacia scored two straight points to tie the game at 14 and further extend the decider. 

Things then fell into place for the Blue Eagles, as Irah Jaboneta was called with a net touch, while rookie Yesha Noceha — who replaced the former after she dealt with cramps — committed an attack error in the following possession.

With the result, UP fell to 3-5 in the team standings, and this now ties the Maroons with Ateneo and Adamson University as they hold similar records. 

Nina Ytang led State U with 24 points while Jaboneta followed with 20, but the Blue Eagles, according to Miner, just held on a bit tighter than UP to get the win. 

"Super intense nung five sets na yun, so it's very helpful for us," she said. "It really helps our development as a player, not just physically but also mentally. Pag pagod ka na, minsan nags-stop na yung thinking, pero we just kept on."

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