Defending champs Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles served hard and baffled UAAP rivals University of Santo Tomes Tiger Spikers to take their Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference clash in straight sets, 25-16, 25-15, 25-21, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The spikers from Loyola gave their España counterparts no respite with their serving. Though the Blue Eagles only tallied two service aces, their dominance was apparent in UST’s attack numbers, as the Tiger Spikers were only able to convert 28 of their 77 spike attempts while surrendering 33 unforced errors. Ateneo also turned in eight block kills which showed their excellent read on UST’s offense.
Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro continued his season-long ritual of rotating his lineup to give his bench exposure, resulting in a balanced scoresheet.
Reigning MVP Marck Espejo tallied eight points, Josh Villanueva pitched in seven, while Tony Koyfman and Rex Intal each managed six markers.
“I’m always telling my players that we need to be consistent no matter who we’re facing,” Almadro said. “We need to practice whatever we need to win games. Also, we need to focus for practices to translate to wins.”
No UST Tiger scored in double-digits, with Ty Carodan scoring six points. Manuel Medina and Jerico Jose each had five markers.
Ateneo (4-0) are assured of a seat in the semis and face the University of the Philippines Maroons (3-1) on Monday, August 29, at 10:00am. UST (3-1) face the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (0-3) on Wednesday, August 3, at 12:00nn.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 8, Villanueva 7, Intal 6, Koyman 6, Glorioso 3, Baysa 2, Polvorosa 2, Sto. Tomas 1, Magadia 0, Medalla 0, Sumaguid (L)
UST (0) – Carodan 6, Jose 5, Medina 5, Bautista 4, Buro 4, Amagan 3, Umandal 2, Sumagaysay 1, Tajanlangit 1, Samonte 0, Valenzuela 0, Sawal (L), Francisco (L)
