The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles continued to build their dynasty of dominance.
The Blue Eagles have swept both seasons of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference, bulldozing the National University Bulldogs for the fourth straight time in a Finals series with a four-set triumph in Game Two, 25-14, 18-25, 25-20, 25-20, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The match opened with the Bulldogs surrendering eight errors in the first set and giving Ateneo an easy route to a 1-0 lead. NU then cleaned up their errors momentarily and fed off untimely service errors by the Blue Eagles to nail an 18-15 advantage. The NU lead grew thanks to consecutive blocks that vaulted them up, 23-17.
Ateneo then took control of the fourh frame early, after back-to-back kills from Marck Espejo gave the Blue Eagles an 18-11 lead. NU rallied back, getting clutch blocks to come within four, 22-18, but the Blue Eagles closed the set out thanks to an NU attack error and a Rex Intal hit.
The final frame was a heavy exchange of hits, with neither team able to take more than a one-point lead. With the match tied at 18, the Blue Eagles made their move, serving heavy and getting points in the transition from Marck Espejo and Ysay Marasigan to forge a 23-18 advantage. From there, a hit Espejo followed by a Rex Intal ace marked Ateneo’s second Spikers’ Turf title.
“Every team was improving and I challenged my players that we need to keep up with all the teams. We couldn’t stay stagnant so I’m very thankful for all the sacrifices of our players,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
Conference MVP Marck Espejo and Finals MVP Tony Koyfman towed the Blue Eagles with 15 points apiece.
Third-year open hitter Bryan Bagunas led the Bulldogs with 15 markers, while Madz Gampong added eight points.
NU has now lost four straight Finals series to Ateneo dating back to the UAAP Season 77 Finals.
The Scores
Ateneo (3) – Espejo 15, Koyfman 15, Villanueva 7, Baysa 6, Intal 6, Polvorosa 4, Magadia 0, Marasigan 0, Sto. Tomas 0, Sumanguid (L)
NU (1) – Bagunas 15, Gampong 8, Saura 5, Dayandante 4, Ismail 4, Malabunga 4, Natividad 4, Ancheta 0, Baysac 0, Marcos (L)
