Ateneo de Manila University’s drive to finally break the curse of consecutive fifth-place finishes gained momentum with another thrilling five-set win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
This time, the Blue Eagles fended off the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-7, with Amil Pacinio putting everything on the line to ensure his team would rise above .500 in the standings and tighten its grip on the fourth seed.
Pacinio, a fourth-year opposite spiker, practically carried Ateneo in the decisive fifth set. He scored eight of his 25 points in that frame alone to secure the crucial victory, raising the Blue Eagles’ record to 6-5.
“Nasa puso at isip ko noon, it’s now or never na talaga,” he said, reflecting on his fifth-set mentality on Wednesday.
“It might be my last season na, so kailangan talaga mag-all-out. Kailangan ipakita sa team na kaya namin,” Pacinio added, revealing his mindset for the match.
Although Pacinio still has a year of eligibility left, he already completed his Interdisciplinary Studies degree in 2025.
This season has tested the Blue Eagles’ will, discipline, and composure, with no game coming easy. Ateneo participated in five five-set matches, winning three; played three four-set games; and only three matches ended in straight sets.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For assistant coach Tomie Rivera, while extended games reveal inconsistencies, they also build the team’s character.
“Kailangan lang talaga ng players na maalala na malalakas sila — na we are loaded with a very heavy arsenal ngayon sa team namin. As you can see with the substitutions and all, mas may luxury kami ngayon,” Rivera said.
“Reminder lang talaga na malakas sila and lahat ng mga nakakalaban namin ay napaghahandaan talaga namin.”
Ateneo still faces De La Salle University, University of the East, and Far Eastern University.
The clash against the Green Spikers (5-6) carries extra weight, as the two teams are closely contesting the fourth spot.
“Well, ilang games na kaming nag-five sets, kailangan lang talaga naming tapangan and disiplina talaga,” Pacinio said, looking ahead to the homestretch.
#WATCH: “IT MIGHT BE MY LAST SEASON SO KAILANGAN TALAGA ALL OUT” 🦅
Amil Pacinio, who was with Miguel Yu and Tomie Rivera, made this revelation after Ateneo’s win over UP 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/iI0k9qRTEa
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/7i9iqIq9Kz
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 8, 2026
