The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Spikers punched in another victory in their current winning tear as they cruised against the winless University of the East Red Warriors, 25-17, 25-17, 26-24 in a fast win at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Spikers opened up with 14 spikes early in the first frame to dictate momentum at the start. Mark Espejo and captain Ysrael Marasigan combined for the team’s offensive firepower to shock UE’s defense.
The second set theme was the same in terms of the quick lead Ateneo established this time via their net defense. The said duo anchored the blocking as they denied the Warriors in their attempts at a comeback.
In the third set, Ateneo jumped to an early lead, poised to finish the match early. In crunch time, they led 24-20 but UE had one last run as they rallied to tie the game with four straight points, two of which came from Ed Camposano. The run fell short though as the Blue Spikers took the set and the win.
Ateneo dominated the scoring department with more spikes, 44-24, and more blocks, 9-5. They also scored on more service aces, 7-2, and committed less errors, 16-27.
The victory propels Ateneo to a 7-2 record while the Warriors are still struggling with eight straight losses now.
The Blue Spikers look to make it seven in a row against NU on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the FilOil Arena while UE’s next assignment will be against UP on Sunday.
The scores:
ADMU- Espejo 24, Marasigan 12, Intal 9, Villanueva 5, Rivera 4, Baysa 3, Polvorosa 2, Señoren 1, Santos 0, Posadas 0, Rivera(L) 0
UE- Camposano 13, Mandani 5, Adviento 5, Lelic 3, Magdaong 2, Gopio 2, Alba 1, Almario(L) 0
