Two-time defending Men’s Collegiate Conference champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles were tested Wednesday morning as the San Beda College Red Spikers kept in step with them. But experience became the deciding factor in the match-up as the Blue Eagles were able to pick up a 25-23, 25-16, 27-25 victory to go to 2-0.
“San Beda is a very good team. Like us, medyo bata pa sila. I thought my team really showed a lot of heart today and showed that they wanted to win the game,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
Marck Espejo once again led Ateneo with 15 points, all on attacks. But in the nip and tuck third set, it was the Blue Eagles’ young guns that delivered.
With the third frame knotted at 25-all, reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Chumason Njigha sent Ateneo to its second match point with a quick attack. Freshman Gian Glorioso then followed it up with a kill block against San Beda skipper Mark Santos to seal Ateneo’s 24th straight win in the V-League.
Glorioso added 13 points while middle blocker John Rivera chipped in nine markers.
“Siguro, pinakita namin ‘yung maturity namin na kailangan pa namin mas ma-develop this conference,” added Almadro, who is gunning for a rare triple crown this conference.
Still it’s not about racking up the wins for Almadro as the main focus for him is his team’s execution.
“It’s not about staying undefeated. Of course, we want to keep winning. But, we also want to keep improving,” he closed.
Limuel Patenio paced San Beda with 10 points.
Ateneo will gun for its 25th straight win in the PVL when it faces the UST Tiger Spikers on Saturday, September 9 at 8:00am. San Beda, on the other hand, will hope that third time’s the charm when it faces the UP Fighting Maroons on Monday, September 11 at 8:00am.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Espejo 15, Glorioso 13, Rivera 9, Medalla 7, Njigha 7, Polvorosa 6, Baysa 1, Trinidad 0, Sumanguid (L).
SBC (0) – Patenio 10, Gonzales E. 9, Amagan 7, Viray 5, Enciso 4, Zabala 3, Desuyo 2, Genobaten 0, Torres 0, Gonzales B. 0, Ulibas 0, Casin (L).
