The Blue Eagles started the hunt to defend their crown with two-consecutive attacks from Erika Raagas which sealed the first set for the Katipunan side.

The Soaring Falcons did not falter in the second frame despite a set point 24-20 of Ateneo after Faith Nisperos scored down the line, Adamson capped a 4-0 run for a 24-all deadlock, followed by Krisch Macaslang’s set point, 25-24.

Still, Ateneo was unstoppable as the team took a 2-0 set score after Nisperos’ backrow kill, Vanessa Gandler’s drop ball, and AC Miner’s dump added a 3-0 run for a 28-26 breakaway triumph.

Adamson was still fighting and even tied the score at 22-all in the third and last frame, but Ateneo had other plans as Nisperos scored back-to-back points, followed up with Miner’s surprised kill, and a block on Lucille Almonte secured the team’s final four spot.

Nisperos led the Blue Eagles with 22 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces to go with 10 excellent receptions, Jaja Maraguinot steered the offense with 21 excellent sets, Miner had 16 points, while Gandler chipped in 12 points.

It is the first time in eight years that Adamson will not be playing in the final four playoffs as Trisha Genesis paced the team with 13 points, while Almonte scored nine, and Rizza Cruz had seven points.