Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
9 a.m. – NU vs DLSU (men’s)
11 a.m. – FEU vs UST (men’s)
1 p.m. – FEU vs UST (women’s)
5 p.m. – NU vs DLSU (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Ateneo flexed its might and dumped University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-18, 25-21, for its first back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday, March 22 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Coming off an impressive three-set win over the University of the East Warriors, the Blue Eagles immediately made their presence felt, coming through with power plays to hike their record to 5-3.
“Masaya ako sa pinakita ng team kasi itong second round sabi ko nag reset na kami kasi hindi siya like nung first round na wala kaming guide,” said Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“‘Tong second round, mababago lahat kasi nagmeet na nung first round, ito na yung time parang basahan talaga ng laro,” added Ken Batas.
Amilio Pacinio Jr. and Batas paced the Eagles with 17 and 14 points, respectively, while Jian Salarzon chipped in 10.
Daniel Nicolas, Tommy Castrodes, and Raheem Olayemi conspired for 29 points but their efforts all went down the drain.
Meanwhile, Adamson recovered just in time to deny University of the East of its first-ever win of the season, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 15-12.
After a strong start, the Falcons stumbled in the next two sets but managed to regain their rhythm and eventually take the match to keep the Red Warriors winless this season.
Dan Guttierez came out big with 14 points on 13 attacks and one block along with four excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Mark Leo Coguimbal and Jude Aguilar added 17 and 15 for Adamson, which notched its second win against six defeats — tied with UP.
