MANDAUE CITY, Cebu —  Dona De Leon, a prized recruit from Bacolod Tay Tung High School, is ready to step up for the rebuilding Ateneo Blue Eagles.

De Leon showed what she’s capable of despite the limited playing time, scoring seven points off the bench in Ateneo’s 29-27, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14 win over the gritty University of Southern Philippines Foundation in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg opener on Friday at Mandaue Sports Complex here.

READ: Young Ateneo survives Cebu’s UPSF in Shakey’s Super League opener

“Our main goal is really to have fun and gain experience, especially for us rookies,” said De Leon in Filipino after scoring five kills and two blocks. “We’re still adjusting, to be honest, so we just want to focus on learning Coach’s system and applying what we’ve been doing in training to the actual games.”

More than coping with new system and higher level play, De Leon admitted she’s still adjusting to her new life outside Bacolod.

“For me, the biggest adjustment is the community. Coming from the province and then transferring to Manila. It’s hard to adjust both personally [but it’s okay] when it comes to our passion for volleyball. And I’m still adjusting, especially with school,” she said.

De Leon is grateful that she’s used to the pressure since high school as she vows to step up for coach Sergio Veloso’s rebuilding squad after the departure AC Miner and Lyann De Guzman to turn pro.

“Like coach said, whether you’re a rookie or a senior, what matters is that we give our best and show what we’ve trained for,” said De Leon. “I just focus on enjoying the game and learning as much as I can.”

De Leon and the Blue Eagles eye their second win against Cesafi champion University of San Carlos on Saturday evening before wrapping up the Cebu leg against UAAP rival Adamson.