Ateneo de Manila University avoided a complete meltdown, finding its second wind in the decider to survive University of Santo Tomas, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 16-25, 15-9, in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The Blue Eagles also flipped the script against the Golden Spikers, who had beaten them in their first-round encounter in another five-set thriller, 19-25, 26-24, 21-25, 26-24, 15-11.
“Sabi ko nga sa fifth set, siguro ito naman ‘yung time na gustuhin naman nating manalo sa fifth set. Nag-stick lang kami sa system namin,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan after securing their second straight win and improving to solo fourth at 4-4.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
After squandering a two-set lead, the Blue Eagles recalibrated in the fifth set. They found their rhythm just in time to eke out the victory and deny the Golden Spikers a reverse sweep.
Amil Pacinio and Kennedy Batas sparked Ateneo’s comeback, combining for seven points in a 9-5 start.
Captain Jian Salarzon then took over, unloading three crucial points in the latter part of the set to seal a strong start to the second round.
Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated Ateneo’s offense, delivering 34 excellent sets while scoring three points himself.
Reigning MVP Batas continued his return to form, finishing with a team-best 19 points on 17-of-34 kills, along with 23 excellent receptions and seven digs. Salarzon was right behind with 16 points, 20 receptions, and seven digs.
Pacinio also made his presence felt with 13 points and 13 digs, while Brian Castro and Rodge Alejos contributed eight and seven points, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UST, MVP race leader Josh Ybañez scored 21 points, including 11 excellent receptions and eight digs, but the Golden Spikers suffered their second straight loss. They dropped to 5-3, still in third place.
Opposite hitter Al-Bukharie Sali, standing 6-foot-5 and making his season debut after missing the first round with a hand injury, added 13 points. Gboy De Vega contributed eight points and 11 excellent receptions.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
Ateneo looks to avenge its first-round loss to Adamson University, while UST aims to get back in the win column against De La Salle University.
