Rookie Geezel Tsunashima provided additional firepower in Ateneo de Manila University's 25-17, 25-23, 24-26, 25-10, victory over University of the East in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women's volleyball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off the bench in the second set before starting in the next two, the winger produced 13 points to help reliable veterans Faith Nisperos and Vannie Gandler on offense as the Blue Eagles bounced back from a straight set opening day loss to repeat-seeking National University.
Ateneo blasted an 8-0 start in the fourth set to take the fight out of UE, which escaped a shutout by stealing the third frame.
The Blue Eagles released their frustrations in the set after squandering two match point advantages in the third frame that left head coach Oliver Almadro livid.
"A win is a win. We're happy for this first win this season," Almadro, who spent almost an hour inside the locker room talking to his players before facing the media for the post-game interview, said.
"We may not want how it ends but of course UE played well and we're happy that we got this win."
The Lady Warriors saved two match points in third set after a Riza Nogales quick kill before Gandler committed a hitting error. Jhudielle Quizon then scored on a kill block against Gandler to give UE the set point advantage.
Vanessa Bangayan ended the set with an ace to extend the match.
Nisperos posted 14 points while Gandler had 14 markers and 11 digs for the Blue Eagles, who will next face archrival De La Salle University on Sunday.
The Lady Warriors absorbed their second straight defeat in as many games.
KC Cepada was the only UE player in double figures with 14 points while Nogales had nine.