The Ateneo Blue Eagles weathered a 30-point explosion from Olayemi Raheem to secure their first victory of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament, defeating the UP Fighting Maroons, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After dropping the opening set, the Blue Eagles leaned on discipline and system play to slowly take control of the match.
In the fourth set, Ateneo broke the game open. What started as a slim two-point cushion quickly ballooned into a 15-9 lead behind Jian Salarzon and rookie middle blocker Rodge Alejos. UP threatened to rally, trimming the deficit to 18-17, but Ateneo answered with composure.
Kennedy Batas Sets the Law for Ateneo
Reigning MVP Kennedy Batas, setter Enzo Gutierrez, and Amil Pacinio ignited a decisive 7-1 closing run to seal the four-set victory, 25-18.
“We’re actually very proud of the players because they stuck to the system. The first set was a bit shaky, but when we got to reflect on the mistakes of the first set, we just talked to the players na mag-stick sa system. Nakakatuwa kasi lahat ng pinag-prepare-an nung previous days, nag-materialize today,” said assistant coach Tommy Rivera.
Salarzon paced Ateneo with 19 points built on 16 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block, along with 10 excellent receptions. Pacinio added 13 markers, while Batas chipped in 12 points.
Aimar Okeke contributed 11 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets and added 6 points, including 4 aces.
On the other side, Raheem carried the offensive load for UP with 30 points on 29 attacks and one ace. Tommy Castrodes provided support with 12 points.
Ateneo looks to build on its momentum when it faces the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, February 25, at 9:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Later that day, UP takes on De La Salle University at 11:00 a.m. at the same venue.
