The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles have booked their ticket to the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball Final Four, while putting to rest the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers’ postseason hopes.
The Blue Eagles earned their seventh straight Final Four appearance after drubbing the Tiger Spikers, 25-22, 25-17, 25-19, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Ateneo minced UST, who were favored to make the semis this season until they lost three consecutive matches – two of which came against also-ran University of the East and De La Salle University.
The Blue Eagles improved their record to 8-4, tied with Adamson in third. NU (10-1) and FEU (9-2) occupy the top two seeds.
“It just feels great for us to reach the Final Four,” said Ateneo opposite hitter Tony Koyfman, who missed Season 80 due to health reasons.
“We just wanted to prove that this team could accomplish so much. The job isn’t over. I still think we have more wins in us,” he added.
Koyfman tallied 13 points, while middle blocker Chu Njigha led the Blue Eagles with 15 markers.
Manuel Medina and Joshua Umandal each provided 11 markers for the Tiger Spikers.
Ateneo next take on the University of the East (2-10) on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, UST (4-8) face the National University on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Njigha 15, Koyfman 13, Medalla 9, Rivera 8, Glorioso 7, Magadia 2, Morado 1, Cuerva 0, Tan 0, Sumanguid (L)
UST (0) – Medina 11, Umandal 11, Requinton 8, Sumagaysay 3, Casillan 2, Corda 2, Valenzuela 1, Tajanlangit J. 0, Tajanlagit T. 0, Sawal (L)
