The Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles shrugged off a season-high error tally and a rowdy herd of Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in four sets, 25-21, 25-19, 22-25, 25-17, to remain undefeated in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference, presented by PLDT Home Ultera at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
The boys from Loyola amassed 38 errors, but powered through their miscues, blasting FEU for a 57-38 attack advantage. Although Ateneo had multiple service errors, the defending UAAP champs fired in eight aces to FEU’s two.
According to Ateneo head coach, Oliver Almadro, his team’s errors were a product of experimental lineups and sets he wanted his team to try. “Hilaw pa,” the energetic coach said. “Siguro kailangan pa namin ensayuhin pa talaga. Kita naman kanina may mga sets pa na hindi pa alam ng mga players ko kung sino kikuha. But you have to give it up to FEU. They played really well with a lot of energy.”
The first two sets went swimmingly for the Ateneans as they got off to insurmountable early leads. However, their errors began to pile up in the third frame. A revitalized FEU offense fired-off a healthy amount of combination plays and good services that allowed them to break away late and take the third set. The Blue Eagles regained form in the fourth frame with Marck Espejo and Ysay Marasigan punishing the FEU defense and bringing Ateneo their sixth win this season.
For the first time this season, UAAP MVP, Marck Espejo played the entire match, scoring a game-high 20 points, while Marasigan and Rex Intal contributed 17 and 14 points, respectively. Coach Almadro emphasized that he wanted to get Espejo to begin getting into peak form. “Kailangan namin makondisyon na si Espejo – mabalik na ‘yung leadership niya, ‘yung on-court sense, ‘yung power niya. We need him to be at his best for the rest of the tournament kasi every game is going to be tough from here on out.”
Fourth-year skipper, Greg Dolor was the only Tamaraw in double-digits with 17 points. This match was also the first Dolor started and played the entire match.
The Blue Eagles, after considering record carry over, have a 4-0 record and are well in-track for a Final Four berth. FEU falls to 0-4.
On Wednesday, August 19, the Blue Eagles face the EAC Generals while FEU has the DLSU Spikers on Monday, August 24.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 20, Marasigan 17, Intal 14, Villanueva 10, Polvorosa 6, Rivera 4, Baysa 3, Medalla 1, Koyfman 1, Magadia 0, Sumanguid (L)
FEU (1) – Dolor 17, Barrica 5, Quiel 5, Paler 4, Cayaban 4, Solis 3, Bugaoan 2, Suarez 2, Silang 1, Navas 1, Gacutan 0, Garcia 0, Margate (L), Marmeto (L)
