Sobe Buena’s 17-point effort powers Ateneo to victory over UP

The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured their first win of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament in dominant fashion, defeating the previously undefeated UP Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, February 23.

After sitting out Ateneo's first two games due to a minor injury, Sobe Buena made a strong return and played a key role in the Blue Eagles' first victory of the season. 

She stepped up in the absence of key players Zel Tsunashima (shin) and Jlo Delos Santos (ACL) to lead Ateneo to a much-needed win.

Buena scored 17 points, including 15 kills, one block, and one ace, along with six excellent digs and four excellent receptions, all contributing to Ateneo’s efficient sweep of the Fighting Maroons in just one hour and 29 minutes.

This victory improved Ateneo's record to 1-2, moving them to seventh place in the eight-team league, and extended their winning streak over UP to 10 consecutive matches, dating back to a Season 81 win on March 10, 2019.

"It feels really good to be back on the court," said Buena after the game. "Today, we played not just for ourselves, but for the Ateneo community. I'm grateful for this win." 

She also mentioned how she was determined to help her team, especially after their tough start with two losses and the injuries of teammates.

"I just tried to make the most out of this game," Buena said. "I was not able to help my teammates in our first two games, so my mindset going into this game was to give it my all and be a good teammate."

Meanwhile, UP's experimental lineup struggled as they fielded a new starting six, replacing the lineup that led them to two wins.

Irah Jaboneta was the lone Maroon to register a double-digit, posting 11 markers in the loss.