The defending champions Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles clinched their third consecutive Final Four appearance after a four-set drubbing of the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Ateneo opened the match with a splendid effort, blasting the Tigers with powerful hits. The Tigers adjusted their approach in the second frame, going with more placement hits to elude the Ateneo block. UST took an 11-8 lead, then raised their advantage with a 3-0 run, 22-17, through kills from Arnold Bautista and Ty Carodan. Ateneo trimmed the lead down to as few as two, 21-23, but the Tigers responded after a timeout, getting back-to-back hits to clinch their first set win over Ateneo for the season.
The last two frames, however, had Ateneo ahead all throughout. As UST’s service reception faltered, Ateneo easily built huge leads, even managing to go up by as much as 10, 22-12 in the fourth set.
Four Blue Eagles breached the double-digit barrier, with team captain Ysay Marasigan notching a game-high 17 points. Reigning MVP Marck Espejo managed 16 points and four digs, while Josh Villanueva and Rex Intal each tallied 12.
“I was happy with how the team responded with our adjustments late in the match. Siguro kailangan lang namin maging mas consistent,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro, who also praised the performance of first-year Ron Medalla. “Noong unang pinasok siya siyempre may jitters. But I was happy with how he adjusted as the match went along. Malaki ‘yung naitulong niya sa team.”
Bautista led the Tigers with 14 points, while Ty Carodan pitched in 10 markers. Manuel Medina and Jason Sarabia each recorded six points.
Ateneo now have a firm grip on first place with a 10-1 slate, riding an eight-game winning streak. UST still have an outside chance at a playoff for a Final Four berth with a 4-7 record.
Ateneo face the De La Salle University (4-7) on April 3 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UST take on the National University Bulldogs (6-4) on March 30 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Marasigan 17, Espejo 16, Intal 12, Villanueva 12, Medalla 6, Polvorosa 5, Baysa 1, Glorioso 0, Rivera 0, Sumanguid (L)
UST (1) – Bautista 14, Carodan 10, Medina 6, Sarabia 6, Tajanlangit 4, Balse 3, Arbasto 1, Castillo 0, Guzman 0, Sumagaysay 0, Pangan (L)
