The Ateneo Blue Eagles continued to climb the standings as they defeated the La Salle Green Spikers in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Ateneo Rallies in Second Frame, Closes It Out in Third
In the second set, the Blue Eagles trailed by as much as seven points, 9-16, but Aimar Okeke, Jian Salarzon, and Amil Pacinio sparked a dominant 16-7 run to take the set in Ateneo’s favor.
Tied at 19-all in the third set, the Blue Eagles once again created distance with a 4-1 run, thanks to Okeke’s attacks, Salarzon’s off-the-block kill, and Rodge Alejos’ quick hit. Eugene Gloria answered with a crosscourt hit, followed by a costly attack error from Pacinio that cut the deficit to one, 22-23.
Salarzon then stopped the bleeding before Green Spiker Issa Ousseini committed an attack error that gave Ateneo its seventh victory.
“Siyempre, sobrang proud ako sa kanila, lalong-lalo na sa team kasi nakita naman natin kanina na ginusto talaga nila. Siyempre, yung La Salle, lalaban at lalaban ’yan at ibibigay nila yung best nila,” said Blue Eagles head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“Ako, sobrang proud ako kasi lahat ng pinagpaguran namin nitong after nung last game, nag-double time kami at nag-extend kami—nag-pay off.”
Jian Salarzon Shows the Way for Blue Eagles
Salarzon led Ateneo with 21 points built on 20 attacks and 1 block, along with 18 excellent receptions. Pacinio added 13 points, while Okeke contributed 12 points and 11 excellent receptions.
Setter Enzo Gutierrez dished out 19 excellent sets, while libero Lance de Castro anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
For the Green Spikers, Yoyong Mendoza led the team with 13 points, while Gloria added 10 points.
The Blue Eagles will take on the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, April 18, at 9:00 a.m. at the Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Green Spikers will face the same team on Wednesday, April 15, at 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.
