Ateneo overcame a third-set stumble to snap University of Santo Tomas’ four-game winning streak, 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The triumph marked the Blue Eagles’ third straight conquest of the Golden Spikers’ dating back from last season.
With the win, the Blue Eagles improved to a 3-2 record, tying La Salle for fourth place ahead of their highly anticipated match on Wednesday, March 12.
Meantime, defending champion National University overcame a third-set stumble to secure a 25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22 victory over University of the Philippines, earning its second straight win in the process.
After dropping the third set, the Bulldogs regained their composure in the fourth, breaking an 18-all deadlock with a 4-0 run. A well-placed offspeed hit from Leo Ordiales, two costly attack errors by Nigerian spiker Olayemi Raheem, and a service ace from Leo Aringo propelled NU to a 22-18 advantage.
UP attempted a late rally, capitalizing on an Aringo attack error and a Tommy Castrodes off-the-block hit to cut the deficit to 22-20. However, another offspeed shot from Ordiales, a service error by Clarence Santiago, and a quick attack from Choi Diao sealed NU’s hard-fought, one-hour and 27-minute win.
Ateneo’s triumph also spoiled the return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who came off the bench for UST after missing four games due to a Grade 2 right ankle sprain sustained in their season-opening loss against FEU last February 15.
With the fourth set tied at 15-all, the Blue Eagles broke away with a crucial 5-0 run, capitalizing on three attack errors from JJ Macam and Gboy de Vega, along with two quick hits from Jian Salarzon, to establish a 20-15 cushion.
Kennedy Batas continued his scoring run with a game-high 21-point performance built on 17 attacks, three aces, and one block with 10 excellent receptions and two excellent digs, while Pacinio provided ample support with 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Salarzon tallied 12 points on 11 attacks and one block with eight excellent receptions and two six excellent digs, while Castro chipped in six points on three attacks and three blocks.
