Graduating Bacolod Tay Tung High School setter Katherine Cortez is tuning off outside noise as she commits to Ateneo de Manila University for next year's University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball wars.

The 18-year-old Negrense would rather not think about the tremendous pressure and high expectations of her recruitment to one of the most popular collegiate teams in the country.

'I'm excited and at the same time feeling a bit pressured entering college.'

"As much as possible I try to ignore it because if I would think too much of the pressure, I might not be able to bring out the skills that I have," Cortez said on Sunday after showing the way for the Bacolod-based school's bronze medal finish in the Shakey's Girls Volleyball Invitational League.

"What I can promise is that I will give my best and show what I can give to the table to help Ateneo's cause."

Cortez's superb playmaking was on full display when Bacolod Tay Tung effortlessly schooled reigning UAAP juniors champion National University-Nazareth School, 25-14, 25-22, 25-15, in the battle for third Saturday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

These same heady setting skills caught the attention of no less than Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro as he worked to secure the commitment of the setter.

Cortez passed the Ateneo entrance test she took last April.

"I'm excited and at the same time feeling a bit pressured entering college," Cortez, who wants to take up a business management course, said.

Although too early to say if she'll make the cut to the final lineup of Ateneo for Season 86 to join starting setter Taks Fujimoto, Cortez will be joining a squad looking to redeem lost glory following a disappointing run this year.

The embattled Blue Eagles missed the Final Four for the first time in 14 years after a dismal 4-10 win-loss record — the team's worst result in 19 years.

Still, the playmaker who idolizes legendary Blue Eagles setter Jia Morado-de Guzman is upbeat about their chances next season.

"I hope to help the team win (more) games next season," Cortez said.

"In the SGVIL we learned to improve and develop our character. Hopefully, I could bring that to Ateneo and help my Ates despite coming in as a rookie."

Ateneo is currently rebuilding its team from the ashes of a disastrous season.

It will be a tough challenge for the Blue Eagles as they have parted ways with their two main scorers and leaders Faith Nisperos and Vanie Gandler.

Nisperos has decided to forgo her playing eligibility to move up to the professional ranks as she signed with Akari to play in the Premier Volleyball League set to begin its mid-season tournament Invitational Conference on 29 June. Gandler, on the other hand, joined Cignal.

Cortez returned to Bacolod yesterday but will come back for the Palarong Pambansa in Marikina next month before hooking up with the Blue Eagles to begin her training.