Coming back to the golden podium after their 2022 title, the School of Nursing (SON) Panthers dominated the court of women’s volleyball in the Palarong Atenista ‘24 over the Humanities and Letters (HUMLET) Wolves, 3-0.

With the SON Panthers dumping a huge score gap on the opponent at the onset of the first set, the nursing players controlled the first set leaving a ten-point gap until the HUMLET Wolves adjusted and repeatedly scored points, closing the gap at 23-23. 

Both teams kept on orchestrating points consecutively in the last minutes of the first set, but the SON Panthers managed to bag the win in a close match point of 27-25.

The HUMLET Wolves were able to snatch the lead in the second set, but their weak offense against the SON Panthers made them lose grip of the set, 25-19.

In the final set, the energy intensified as both teams fought passionately, but the SON Panthers’ strategic play, coupled with several missed opportunities from the HUMLET Wolves, saw the former claim the victor with a score of 25-22. 

In an interview with Atenews, SON Panthers’ team captain Lorence Librero said that after the elimination rounds, their team has not physically trained together due to academic demands.

“Actually, it was very hard kasi nagstart na ang duty namin, challenging sya masyado; hindi na tugma ang schedule. So after the elimination rounds, wala na talaga kaming training.”

Despite the challenges, Librero shared how this did not become a hindrance to their play because she trusts the relationship and bond that they have formed with one another.

“Nagstart kami training mga July or August [and] during our trainings, kompleto kami lahat. So, nakabuo kami ng connection with each other. Mostly [sa amin] ay rookies, dalawa lang kami fourth years, kaunti lang third years. Trust lang talaga.”

The HUMLET Wolves settled for silver, while the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers took bronze over Business and Management (B&M) Vipers, 2-0.

The women’s volleyball finals was held on the 7th floor of Martin Hall on September 26.