The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles scored a quick win over Katipunan neighbors University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-18, 25-18, to remain on top of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference standings at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Blue Eagles have not lost a match in the PVL since the tournament began as the Spikers’ Turf in 2015.
Leading the Blue Eagles were third-year middle blocker Gian Glorioso and four-time UAAP MVP Marck Espejo. Glorioso tallied a game-high 13 points built on seven blocks and six attacks, while Espejo remained efficient, powering in 12 points off nine-for-17 attacking.
“Siguro this tournament is more than just about winning for us. We need to keep improving,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro, who lost two key pieces to graduation last UAAP season.
“Gian played great for us today. Well, everyone naman, I think, played well,” the multi-titled mentor commented. “It’s a matter of being consistent for us and addressing our mistakes right away and learning from those mistakes.”
The Blue Eagles were dominant in all scoring skills. They out-attacked (38-23), out-blocked (14-4), and out-served (5-1) the Maroons. However, Ateneo gave up 26 errors, while UP had just 18.
“That’s something na laging naming ina-address. It comes with maturity (‘yung pag-limit ng errors). We’ll get there as a team,” Almadro added.
The Maroons had Wendel Miguel lead the way with seven points while Gian San Pascual added six.
The Blue Eagles (5-0) take on rivals De La Salle University Green Spikers (3-2) on September 23. UP (1-3) next face the National University Bulldogs (1-2) also on September 23.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Glorioso 13, Espejo 12, Njigha 9, Rivera 8, Medalla 7, Polvorosa 6, Baysa 2, Sumanguid (L)
UP (0) – Miguel 7, San Pascual 6, Millete 5, San Pedro 4, Gohoc 3, Acuna 1, Baldelovar 1, Consuelo 1, Nasol (L)
