Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – UP vs San Beda (m)
10 a.m. – NU vs La Salle (m)
4 p.m. – UP vs TIP (w)
6:30 p.m. – SSCR vs NU (w)
Ateneo outclassed University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18, yesterday to grab the solo lead in the men’s division of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.
The defending two-time champions only needed 66 minutes in dispatching the Tigers in a battle of two unbeaten teams as the Eagles soared to their third straight victory in as many outings.
Last conference’s Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo bannered Ateneo anew by pumping in 14 kills to finish with 17 points, while Ishmael Rivera fired 10 points.
The Eagles leaned on Espejo and Rivera to smother the Tigers in attacks, 43-27. They also took advantage of UST’s weak serve by managing 33 digs.
Ish Polvorosa also stepped up for the Eagles with 32 excellent sets apart from scoring four points.
Josh Umandal scored 13 points for UST, which dropped to its first loss after back-to-back wins.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University relied on its strong net defense as it bested De La Salle, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, to join UST at second place with 2-1.
John Paul Bugaoan led the Tamaraws with 17 points on 14 hits and three blocks, while Redijohn Paler had 11 points and three blocks for 14 points.
The Tamaraws provided a tough defensive wall at the net by establishing with 13 blocks to outplay the Archers.
Arjay Onia had 19 points, Cris Dumago posted 13 points, and Raymark Woo added 12 points as La Salle slipped to 1-2.