Faith Nisperos was proud of Ateneo for showing up in one of their best games despite loss against surging University of Santo Tomas in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball.

The veteran spiker erupted for 31 points in the Blue Eagles’ four-set defeat at the hands of the twice-to-beat-seeking Golden Tigresses, her second career 30-point performance in the league.

Faith Nisperos of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. (UAAP Media)

“We [had] to remind ourselves [before the game] na we are powerful, we have the skills, we have the team and all we have to do is step up. And patibayan ‘yong character namin as a team and ‘yon ‘yong nag-stick sa akin all throughout,” said Nisperos.

Following the loss, Ateneo had to wait for the result of the game between reigning champion National University and Far Eastern University, which the Lady Bulldogs eventually won.

With NU’s sweep of FEU, Ateneo was officially booted out of the Final Four contention for the first time in 14 years since Season 71.

Last season, the Blue Eagles held the upper hand over Golden Tigresses in their stepladder semifinals duel, a far cry from where they currently stand in the tournament.

After 11 games, Ateneo fell into a 4-7 record in the standings.

However, head coach Oliver Almadro opted to stick to the positives that came out of their seventh loss of the season.

“What I’m proud of is just this is the first time that I saw my players played with heart. Posible pala. We can give a game like this pala. We can challenge other teams pala,” said Almadro.

“This UAAP talagang lahat nag-step up. Kami medyo naging stagnant but for me, my players really played their hearts out.

“We have to take the positives going into the next games and in the future. Hindi naman dito natatapos lahat eh. Whatever it is, we will do it all over again. Ulit ulit next year, ulit ulit next game,” he added.

With three elimination games remaining, Almadro is looking to steer Ateneo to a bright finish as they work on their endgame composure.

The Blue Eagles seek to bounce back against the also-ran Lady Tamaraws when they tussle on Wednesday, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.