The Ateneo de Manila Univeristy Blue Eagles added to their growing list of routs in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference, cruising past the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21, and securing Game One of their best-of-three semis series at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The two-time PVL champs got plenty of help from UST’s 31 errors, as they themselves only had 17 giveaways. The Blue Eagles also roamed the net effectively, snatching 11 blocks to UST’s five.
According to head coach Oliver Almadro, the Blue Eagles’ desire for game-to-game improvement is paying off the more games they play together.
“Of course, we’re very happy for the win. But, we’re more happy because we can see that we are improving. Everyone the team knows naman na that’s what’s important. Still, in every game, we want to win,” said Almadro.
“Everyone wants the championship and we know UST will be better come Game Two. So, we need to be better as well,” the multi-titled mentor added.
Four-time UAAP MVP and three-time PVL MVP Marck Espejo towed the Blue Eagles with 11 points built on six spikes and five blocks. Second year middle blocker Chumason Njigha added 10 markers off 6 attacks and four rejections.
Arnold Bautista led the Tigers with 10 points. Joshua Umandal and Ty Carodan managed nine apiece.
The Blue Eagles can stay undefeated and make the Finals for the third straight year in Game Two on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 11, Njigha 10, Rivera 9, Glorioso 6, Baysa 5, Labao 1, Medalla 1, Polvorosa 1, Magadia 0, Sumanguid (L)
UST (0) – Bautista 10, Carodan 9, Umandal 9, Medina 3, Sumagaysay 3, Tajanlangit 3, Buro 1, Casillan 0, Corda 0, Icalina 0, Sawal (L)
