Playing on their home court, the Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles opened a new era, claiming an opening day win against the Fury Blazing Hitters, 25-15, 25-17, 25-15, in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Playing their first big match without five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo and five-time UAAP Best Setter Ish Polvorosa, the Blue Eagles leaned on returning Tony Koyfman. The American, who missed Season 80 due to academic deficiencies, delivered 14 points while Chu Njigha added 12 markers.
The Blue Eagles also played their first match under new head coach, former Blue Eagle Timmy Sto. Tomas.
In the second match of the day, four players dished out double-digit performances to lead the PLDT Home Power Hitters past IEM Phoenix Volley Masters, 25-20, 18-25, 25-23, 25-19.
La Salle standout Puto Dela Vega led the Power Hitters with 14 points while Johnvic De Guzman, Henry Pecaña, and Jayvee Sumagaysay each tallied 11 markers.
Jason Canlas topped the Volley Masters with 17 points. San Beda standout Mark Enciso added 11.
The Cignal HD Spikers conquered the Prima-Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the final match of the day, 25-17, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21.
Former Blue Eagle Ysay Marasigan buoyed the HD Spikers with 15 points. UP standout Wendel Miguel and former NU Bulldog Fauzi Ismail tallied 14 and 12 markers, apiece.
