Ron Medalla and the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are just one win away from claiming a seat in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament Final Four after handling the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-16, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After winning the first two sets convincingly, Ateneo were dragged into a tight conclusion after Medalla forced a 23-all tie with an off-the-block kill. UP’s Mark Millete then responded with an off-speed conversion. Ateneo had a chance at a deuce but surrendered an error that took the match to a fourth frame.
UP held an early lead, but Ateneo quickly wrestled control of the final set. Attacking from all angles, Ateneo took a 17-10 cushion and never looked back.
“For us, every win has been very important. We’ve needed to show the right mentality and focus. I’m glad it came out today,” said Ateneo head coach Timothy Santo Tomas.
Medalla finished with a game-high 21 points off 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks to lead Ateneo’s balanced scoresheet. Janjan Rivera managed 15 points, while Gian Glorioso and Chu Njigha each contributed 14 markers.
Millete led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points, while Jerry San Pedro tallied 11. UP could not take advantage of Ateneo’s 37 errors.
Ateneo (7-4) face the University of the East (2-8) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Meanwhile, UP (1-10) take on the Far Eastern University (8-2) next Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Medalla 21, Rivera 15, Glorioso 14, Njigha 14, Koyfman 12, Magadia 1, Aguilar 0, Cuerva 0, Ligot 0, Llenos 0, Morado 0, Sumanguid (L)
UP (1) – Millete 15, San Pedro 11, Consuelo 9, San Pascual 6, Ijiran 3, Baldelovar 2, Castillo 1, Enteria 0, Fortes 0, Yan 0, Nasol (L)
