Ateneo accomplished what it failed to do last year as it conquered defending champion Adamson, 57-45, yesterday to cop its first ever UAAP women’s basketball title at the Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle-Zobel likewise ended a drought of its win, routing University of the Philippines Integrated School, 86-62, to seal its first ever high school crown since joining the league in 1986.
Joshua Webb exploded anew for 19 points as the Junior Archers pocketed its first championship trophy since winning an NCAA crown in 1955 when Kurt Bachmann lorded it over the field.
Cassy Tioseco and Marylyne Matreo combined for 26 points and 20 rebounds as the Lady Eagles dethroned the Lady Falcons via a two-game sweep.
"We have some doubts during the tournament," said Ateneo coach John Flores. "But we never lost faith and kept believing in ourselves."
The Lady Eagles played through the season with a mission, going for the coveted crown and easing the pain of last year’s bitter loss when they failed to capitalize on a 1-0 edge in the finals and bowed to the Lady Falcons.