The Ateneo Blue Eagles is wading through a tumultuous UAAP Season 85.
Faces down, shoulders slumped, tension-filled huddles. Final whistle in favor of their opponents. The Ateneo Blue Eagles have experienced these same scenarios over and over again in what was their worst start to the UAAP Women's Volleyball Tournament in recent years.
On Sunday, the Blue Eagles were all smiles after sweeping the UP Lady Maroons to break a four-game skid. The two Ateneo victories in the first round were far apart, and it was not an easy task to keep a positive attitude will all the misfortunes.
Captain Faith Nisperos said not dwelling from their losses is a key factor in their recovery.
"The past days we tried to focus on what we need to do and not on what happened before," Nisperos shared.
"It helped that we stayed in the moment, we worked, and we planned as a team."
It also helped that the Blue Eagles recalibrated their mental approach to the game.
"I reminded them before the start of the game (against UP). Let's enjoy every point kasi tinrabaho natin 'yun."
Ateneo's Vanie Gandler is hoping that their win against the Lady Maroons will spark a good run in the second round.
"Of course it's been a frustrating and tough first round, so it feels great to finally get another win. Hopefully, we can use this momentum coming into the second round," she said.
"Even through the losses, through the process, we still enjoy every step of the way. Those losses helped us become better and helped us grow."