1. Kim Gequillana's walk-off service ace

Kim Gequillana built a reputation as perhaps the best service specialist in the UAAP in Season 79, showing a remarkable ability to turn a match around with her unorthodox serve that confounds even some of the best receivers in the league.

Gequillana's impact was best shown in their first round game against Far Eastern University, where she came off the bench to replace the towering Kat Tolentino. Against the Lady Tamaraws, she scored five of her nine points off service aces, including what turned out to be the match-winner.

2. Bea de Leon's dominance at the net

No single play has energized the Ateneo fans more in Season 79 than the quick hits of middle blocker Bea de Leon. De Leon's chemistry with Jia Morado, combined with her athleticism, has made the attack virtually unstoppable.

What makes De Leon's quick hits more impressive is that she does not bother to disguise it: fans at the venue can often hear De Leon yelling "Jia!" whenever Ateneo gets a good pass, a sure sign that she expects the ball to be tossed her way.

Nevertheless, De Leon rarely gets the attack blocked, as she and Morado have clearly perfected the timing and speed of the play. By the time the opposing team's blockers react, De Leon's arm is already whipping down for an emphatic kill.

3. Michelle Morente's all-around game against La Salle

The Lady Eagles sorely missed Michelle Morente in their Season 78 campaign, when the versatile player had to sit out the tournament due to academic issues. She has returned with a vengeance in Season 79, with her all-around game complementing Morado's playmaking and De Leon's power game.

The utility spiker tallied "triple-doubles" regularly throughout the season, including in their final game of the elimination round against La Salle where she had 24 points, 15 excellent digs, and 17 excellent receptions. Morente seemed to reserve her best efforts against the Lady Spikers. In two matches against them this season, she normed 19.5 points, 17 excellent digs, and 14.5 receptions.

4. Jules Samonte's breakout game

Rookie Jules Samonte showed great promise for the Lady Eagles in the preseason tournaments, but little was expected for her during the UAAP season. However, she still made an impact for the Lady Eagles in the elimination round, as she played her best game of the season against La Salle in their final game.

With usual starter Jho Maraguinot resting, Samonte stepped up to score 10 points, including several crucial hits in the second, third and fourth sets as the Lady Eagles came from behind to win the match.

5. Jia Morado's mastery against UP

Setter Jia Morado was superb for the Lady Eagles all throughout the season, as her playmaking and leadership anchored the young squad. Morado's ability to turn subpar first balls into good sets drew praises from volleyball analysts, and her penchant for 1-2 plays energized her team.

Morado was at her absolute best against University of the Philippines in their second round game, where she simply picked the Lady Maroons apart with her setting. She took matters into her own hands to end the match, with her backset dropping softly into an empty spot in Zone 4, where Marian Buitre failed to dig it in time.