Mapua University finally broke into the win column, outlasting Ateneo de Manila University in a gripping four-set duel, 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 26-24, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, August 30, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

The Lady Cardinals not only secured their first victory after four losses but also reignited their semifinal hopes thanks to the tandem of Alyanna Ong and Freighanne Garcia, who carried the squad past the resilient Blue Eagles.

Ong and Garcia dominate

Ong was unstoppable at the net, scoring 26 points highlighted by four blocks, including a clutch rejection late in the fourth set that blunted Ateneo’s momentum. Garcia matched her teammate with 26 points of her own, powered by 23 kills and three service aces.

Setter Angelick Gavoca also played a pivotal role with 23 excellent sets, orchestrating the offense while chipping in four points — two coming in crunch time through gutsy one-two plays that turned the tide in the decider.

Long-time Mapua mentor Aying Esteban credited the breakthrough to a mental reset after three straight losses.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga bata, siguro ‘yung pangatlong talo namin, wake up call na sa ‘min ‘yon. Ni-reset lang namin yung team namin; masyadong mataas ‘yung tension, masyadong takot magkamali,” Esteban said. “At least nakita namin na nag-react yung mga bata sa ginawa namin.”

Ateneo’s late rally falls short

The Blue Eagles nearly forced a fifth set behind seniors Gena Hora and Taks Fujimoto. Hora even gave Ateneo a set-point edge at 24-23, but consecutive errors allowed Mapua to snatch back control before finishing the match in two hours and nine minutes.

Zey Pacia topscored for Ateneo with 13 points, while Alana Tan-chi added 10.

Mapua now faces the undefeated Adamson University Lady Falcons (4-0) on Sunday at 10 a.m., hoping to ride their newfound momentum against the tournament leaders.

The victory may have come late, but for the Lady Cardinals, it could be the spark that keeps their V-League campaign alive.