The Ateneo Blue Eagles outlasted the UST Golden Spikers, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 16-25, 15-9, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ateneo held its ground in a decisive fifth set after UST forced an extension by taking the third and fourth frames. The Golden Spikers surged to a 9-5 lead behind Amil Pacinio and Kennedy Batas, threatening to complete the comeback.
However, the Blue Eagles responded in crunch time, with team captain Jian Salarzon delivering three crucial points to seal the victory.
“Sabi ko nga sa fifth set, siguro ito naman ‘yung time na gustuhin naman nating manalo sa fifth set. Nag-stick lang kami sa system namin,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
Kennedy Batas Lays Down the Law for Ateneo
Batas led Ateneo with 19 points built on 17 attacks, 1 block, and 1 service ace, along with 23 excellent receptions. Salarzon added 16 points from 14 attacks and 2 service aces, while also tallying 20 excellent receptions.
Pacinio finished with 13 points and 13 excellent digs, while Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets.
Josh Ybañez paced the Golden Spikers with 21 points on 18 attacks and 3 blocks, while Al-Bukhanie Sali contributed 11 points.
Ateneo will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Earlier that day, UST looks to bounce back against the La Salle Green Spikers at 9 a.m.
