The Ateneo Blue Eagles bounced back from back-to-back losses, sweeping the UE Red Warriors, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20, to close the first round of eliminations on a high note in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
UE threatened to extend the match in the third set after building a 17-15 lead. However, Julio Yu ignited an 8-0 run that quickly turned the tide in Ateneo’s favor and sealed the straight-sets victory.
Ateneo Stays in Contention
With the win, the Blue Eagles improved to a 3-4 record to stay in the middle of the standings, while the Red Warriors remained winless at the bottom.
“Sobrang dami ng tight games namin this first round na kung dapat nadisiplina lang namin ‘yung sarili namin, e, nagawan agad namin ng paraan sana makakakuha pa kami ng wins. Magbi-base kami sa assessment namin, ipa-polish pa ‘yung kailangan namin,” said Blue Eagles head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“Sa men’s volleyball ngayon, hindi mo talaga alam kung sinong malakas at sino ang hindi kasi sobrang pantay-pantay talaga siya. Malingat ka lang ng konti, tatalunin ka.”
Stellar Efforts All Around
Team captain Jian Salarzon was the lone Blue Eagle in double figures with 15 points built on 12 attacks and 3 blocks. Amil Pacinio added 8 points, while Kennedy Batas chipped in 5. Lorenzo Gutierrez, Rodge Alejos, and Yu contributed 4 points each.
Gutierrez also orchestrated the offense with 12 excellent sets, while Lance de Castro tallied 6 excellent receptions and 3 excellent digs.
Raquim Aceron paced UE with 14 points and 14 excellent receptions. Marl Budias had 4 points, while Xjhann Camaymayan, Gerald Perit, and Roy Piojo added 3 markers apiece.
