When Jaja Maraguinot cut short her Ateneo de Manila University career last June, Takako Fujimoto is next in line.
Fujimoto has rarely seen floor time during the Blue Eagles campaign in UAAP Season 84 but is now tasked to lead the team inside the court.
And that's what she's been doing in the 2022 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge.
Ateneo is on the cusp of winning the crown after escaping gritty Adamson University in Game One, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 24-26, 18-16.
"Natutuwa ako doon sa new setter ko na naacknowledge niya yung strength ng team niya kasi it boils down to her," said Blue Eagles head coach Oliver Almadro after the win.
"Siya yung bago eh, siya yung new insert dito. Siya yung talagang unexpected na magdedeliver."
Orchestrating in a team full of capable hands was what the 21-year-old setter did in Game One, seeing four Ateneo spikers in double digits.
Faith Nisperos erupted for 35 points while Vanie Gandler backstopped her with 20 points on 14 attacks, four service aces, and two blocks.
AC Miner also delivered 18 points while Lyann De Guzman chalked up 10 of her own.
"She's not that superstar level like yung setters ng ibang school but I know she can deliver and I have trust in her," said Almadro on the sophomore playmaker.
"Kung ano man ang size niya, napapalaki naman ng heart niya sa paglalaro," the bench tactician said on his 5-foot-5 setter.
Fujimoto and the Blue Eagles look to finish the Lady Falcons on Wednesday, 5 pm, at the Paco Arena.
