The Ateneo Blue Spikers got back on the winning track after finishing off the UP Maroons in a relatively quick three-setter 25-17, 25-18, 25-23, held at the San Juan Arena.
Marck Espejo led all scorers with 17 points including three service aces and a block. Joshua Villanueva added 12 for Ateneo while Ysrael Marasigan chipped in 10.
The Katipunan-based crew started off strong with solid floor defense that troubled the Maroons. Espejo and captain Marasigan were responsible for majority of the points in the first and second frames.
Ateneo was able to withstand rallies put up by UP thanks to their defense anchored by libero Bartolome Rivera who had eight digs alone. The Maroons made the third set a close and exciting one but their critical errors down the stretch favored Ateneo, who then improved to a .500 mark in the standings.
The Blue Spikers dominated the spiking department, 50-23 and scored more on service aces, 6-1. They also committed less errors, 15-31.
Dropping their last two games, Ateneo bounced back big this time with a straight-set win that puts them at 2-2 in the standings. UP slides to a 1-3 slate and are now on a three-game skid.
Ateneo’s next assignment will be on Dec. 10, Wednesday against their school rivals DLSU while UP will have to wait a while to snap their losing streak as they will face NU on Jan. 4, 2015.
The scores:
ADMU– Espejo 17, Villanueva 12, Marasigan 10, Intal 9, Rivera 7, Polvorosa 3, Baysa 1, Senoren 1, Tan 0, Bello 0, Santos 0, Rivera(L) 0
UP– Dela Paz 10, Miguel 7, Raymundo 4, Abuda 4, San Pascual 2, Cabatingan 0, Hernandez 0, Trinidad 0, Badiong 0, Diaz 0, Nicandro(L) 0
