The Ateneo Blue Eagles saw their breakthrough season come to a close, but for Kennedy Batas, the next step remains undecided after their Final Four loss to the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament. For Ateneo’s other star, Jian Salarzon, however, there’s still unfinished business for Season 89.
Salarzon, Batas Lead Ateneo’s Breakthrough
Batas, who played through a lingering knee injury, delivered 15 points along with 15 excellent receptions in what could be his final game in blue and white, as Ateneo bowed out in a hard-fought five-set semifinal clash against the Tamaraws.
“Actually, nag-propose na si [Jian Salarzon], charot. Siguro, rest muna, then we will cross that bridge when we get there sa kung ano mangyayari next year,” said Batas, who still has one year of eligibility left.
Despite serving as a key support piece behind team captain Jian Salarzon and Aimar Okeke this season, the reigning MVP took pride in Ateneo’s long-awaited return to the Final Four—its first since Season 81.
Alongside Salarzon and Okeke, contributions from Amil Pacinio, Enzo Gutierrez, Rodge Alejos, and Lance de Castro helped the Blue Eagles break through after three straight fifth-place finishes.
Hoping Blue Eagles Continue to Soar
Whether he returns or turns professional, Batas hopes the team builds on this season’s progress.
“Actually, sinasabihan ko naman na ‘yung mga rookies, even before, ‘yung mga nasa bottom rank, malalakas sila kasi most of them are rookies. For sure, ayaw ulit nilang mangyari na nasa bottom rank sila. Magpursigi sila. Ito ‘yung sinasabi ko sa mga rookies na hard work beats talent talaga,” he shared.
“Dapat gustuhin nila ‘yung ginagawa nila, especially dapat committed sila sa kung ano ‘yung ginagawa nila at dapat gawin.
“Na-reach namin ‘yung goal namin this season pero na-fall short kami sa Final Four. Pero, still, nakaka-proud kasi sobrang ganda ng run na pinakita namin against FEU. Hopefully, next season, paghugutan nila ito para ma-push pa nila ‘yung sarili nila at mas mahigitan pa namin kung ano ‘yung narating namin this season,” he added.
A Returning Pillar in Jian Salarzon
Meanwhile, Salarzon confirmed he will return for one final season after Ateneo achieved its preseason goal of reaching the Final Four.
“Ako, honestly, before the season, sabi ko ‘yung last straw ko if ilalaro ko ‘yung fifth year ko, ‘yung last straw ko ay if makapasok kami sa Final Four. Nakapasok kami sa Final Four, so maglalaro pa ako ng isang year,” Salarzon ended.
