Three-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles breezed to their third consecutive win, sweeping the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Ateneo outclassed their foes in every scoring skill, most notably lording over an 8-0 block kills tally. According to head coach Oliver Almadro, the Blue Eagles needed to show consistent execution despite facing a winless foe.
“Every team prepares so we can’t underestimate anybody, regardless of how poorly they were playing sa games nila before,” Almadro said.
“We need to stay consistent with all the things that we can control. If we can execute the things we do on our side of the net, then we can always play well,” the decorated mentor added.
Reigning four-time Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo powered in 16 points on an efficient 12-for-22 attacking clip with three blocks and an ace. Third-year winger Ron Medalla added 11 markers.
No Red Warrior tallied a double-digit scoring output, with Clifford Inoferio providing eight markers.
Both squads play their next assignments on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Blue Eagles (3-1) look to keep their streak going when they face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons (1-2), while UE (0-4) take on the De La Salle University Green Spikers (1-2).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 16, Medalla 11, Glorioso 8, Njigha 6, Baysa 3, Labao 3, Rivera 2, Magadia 1, Morado 1, Povorosa 1, Sumanguid (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 8, Adriano 7, Ortega 7, Patacsil 5, Alba 1, Aljas 1, Balquiedra 1, Imperial 1, Benitez (L), Ernacio (L)
