Ateneo de Manila University came alive just in time to pull off a thrilling reverse sweep against University of the East, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12, capping off its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball campaign on a high note, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles were on the brink of a shocking defeat to the Red Warriors when the latter took a 16-12 lead in the third set, but a fiery timeout by Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan put a sense of urgency in his team and fueled the comeback.
“During our psych session last night, what was highlighted was our team was known for being risk-takers and I think earlier baka yun yung pumasok sa mga utak namin. ‘Yung mga sinabi ni coach Vince (during that one timeout) naging wake-up call sa amin that really made us work kasi hindi naman ibibigay sa amin ng UE yan,” said Ateneo captain-libero Lance de Castro, emerging victorious in his final UAAP game.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Trailing 12-16 in the third, it was De Castro who put the energy in the team when he jumped over the advertisement board and even ended up in the VIP seats just to save a ball, enough for his teammates to rally for their captain.
Amil Pacinio carried the Blue Eagles to a 26-24 escape in the third with his smart placement shot the clincher.
That shifted the momentum to the Blue Eagles’ side as they secured the fourth set while racing to a 9-6 lead in the decider.
The Red Warriors, through rookie Raquim Aceron fought back to tie the match at nine, but Jian Salarzon, Kennedy Batas, and Pacinio all came up clutch for the Ateneo win after two hours and 15 minutes.
“Very promising yung team and bilang first year pa lang namin nila coach Vince as the lead coaches, maganda naman yung nagiging reaction ng players sa bagong system na inaapply namin so very excited kami sa next season,” said Blue Eagles deputy coach Peter Torres.
Ateneo ended as the fifth-placers for the third straight season with a similar 7-7 record.
The Blue Eagles were in the Final Four mix after starting at 6-3, but a four-game skid late in the eliminations gave a huge blow in their hopes.
Pacinio led the Blue Eagles with 18 points while Batas had 17 points, 19 excellent receptions, and six digs.
Salarzon chipped in 16 points and 23 receptions while Jettlee Gopio had 11 points built on four blocks.
De Castro, the only one sure to have worn the Ateneo uniform for the last time, finished with 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UE finished the season winless after 14 games. The Red Warriors became the first winless team in the men’s division since Season 80 — also UE.
Rookies Roy Piojo and Aceron led the fight for the Red Warriors with 22 and 19 points, respectively.
