Ateneo de Manila University got back at Adamson University with a dominant straight-set victory, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, to post its third consecutive win 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, who suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss to the Lady Falcons in their season opener, made the necessary adjustments in the second round to ensure a more decisive result.

“I think our best skill today was our serving. Our serves did a lot of damage to the opponent,” Ateneo head coach Sergio Veloso said after the team dominated with 12 service aces against Adamson's five.

"This was important, and in crucial moments, my team remained focused. That was the key to this victory.”

The match saw Ateneo rally from a 16-19 deficit to claim the first set, thanks to the efforts of Jihan Chuatico and AC Miner.

With momentum on their side, the Blue Eagles dominated the second set.

Adamson attempted a comeback in the third, narrowing the gap to 24-23, but a net touch on a block attempt handed Ateneo the win after one hour and 39 minutes of play.

“For this game, everyone contributed. Everyone put in the effort and stayed focused on the court. We just fought no matter what happened and pushed through every point,” setter Taks Fujimoto said.

Miner spearheaded Ateneo’s offense with 13 points, while Lyann De Guzman contributed 12 in an all-around performance. Zey Pacia also chipped in 10 points in a well-balanced attack, while Fujimoto tossed 17 excellent sets to go with five points on three attacks and two aces.

Ateneo, now holding a 4-5 record and tied for fifth with the University of the Philippines, will next face archrival De La Salle University on Wednesday at the same venue, hoping to break the Lady Spikers’ 15-match winning streak against them.

Nitura was the lone bright spot for Adamson, delivering 21 points off 20 attacks and one block, but received minimal support. Frances Mordi had nine points, while the rest of the team managed just four or fewer.

Adamson at 3-6 will look to bounce back against University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Wednesday as well.

UST rekindled its Final Four hopes after snapping a three-game losing streak with a 25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22 triumph over La Salle in the men’s volleyball tournament.