Ateneo de Manila University clawed its way back from the brink to outlast the University of the East (UE) in a five-set thriller, 20-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-13, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles squandered five match points in the deciding set, allowing UE to storm back from 9-14 before Lyann de Guzman finally sealed the win with a clutch cross-court hit.

“I’m very happy with how the team performed. Admittedly, we struggled during the game, but I told them not to match UE’s pace because we have our own rhythm, and we know how to play our game on the court,” said the 23-year-old outside hitter.

“We need to be aggressive, bring energy and always have fun.”

De Guzman recorded a stellar triple-double performance, tallying 17 points, 13 digs, and 13 receptions. Zay Pacia provided ample support with 17 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions, while AC Miner contributed 23 points.

Despite trailing early, Ateneo mounted a crucial 9-2 run in the second set to wrest the lead. Although it dropped the third set, Pacia, Miner and Yvana Sulit spearheaded a dominant fourth-set performance to force a decider.

The win was a much-needed morale boost for the Blue Eagles, who have been reeling from injuries to key players Sobe Buena, Zel Tsunashima and JLo delos Santos, all sidelined for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, UE ended the first round winless for the third time in the last four seasons, with their lone exception coming in Season 86 when they stunned Ateneo in the opener.

In the men’s division, Ateneo made quick work of an undermanned UE squad, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16, to wrap up the first round on a high note.

Second-year setter Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense brilliantly with 18 excellent sets, guiding the Blue Eagles to a dominant 80-minute victory that secured them a 4-3 record, good for fifth place.

Kennedy Batas, the league’s top scorer, once again led the charge with 15 points, while Amul Pacinio and Jian Salarzon contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

“I always tell them that there will always be a particular player who will score more points, or like in this game, we were more balanced,” said Mangulabnan, who is in his first year of coaching Ateneo.

“These stats don’t really matter to me as long as our collective effort is there.”

Batas acknowledged their inconsistency in the first round, admitting that the team struggled to maintain momentum in their first seven games.

“Personally, I can say that I’m not yet satisfied with my performance in the first round because there were ups and downs in our play.”

“That’s something we really need to work on for the second round.”

UE, hampered by the absence of both natural setters Andre Bicar and Dave Poquita, turned to outside spiker Steven Aligayon to fill the playmaker role, managing 14 excellent sets.

Rookie Raquim Aceron was a bright spot for the Red Warriors with 14 points, while Roy Piojo chipped in eight.

In another men’s play game, Far Eastern University (FEU) completed an impressive first-round sweep with a hard-fought 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 victory over De La Salle University.

Mikko Espartero, in his rookie season, led the Tamaraws’ charge with a season-high 27 points, including 21 attacks, five aces, and a block. Dryx Saavedra contributed 17 points, while Lirick Mendoza had 13 points, including three blocks.

La Salle’s Noel Kampton delivered 18 points, and Rui Ventura added 15, but their efforts weren’t enough to halt FEU’s rampage.

The victory cemented FEU’s flawless 7-0 record at the top of the standings while snapping La Salle’s three-game winning streak, dropping them to 4-3 in a tie with Ateneo for fourth place.