Ateneo de Manila University made quick work of the undermanned University of the East, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16, to secure a bounce-back win and conclude its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament first-round campaign, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Enzo Gutierrez, a second-year setter out of Las Vegas, orchestrated the Blue Eagles’ dominant performance, dishing out 18 excellent sets that enabled five players to score at least seven points.
With the victory, Ateneo improved to a 4-3 record, placing them in fifth spot.
Kennedy Batas, the league’s leading scorer, delivered a game-high 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces, and two blocks. He also tallied 14 receptions and six digs to round out his stellar performance.
Amil Pacinio added 13 points built on seven spikes, three blocks, and three aces, while Jian Salarzon contributed 12 points, nine receptions, and seven digs.
Middle blockers Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro chipped in seven points each, much to the satisfaction of head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sinasabi ko lang lagi sa kanila na may particular player talaga na mas makakarami ng puntos or like ngayong game, balanced nga kami. Itong stats wala naman sa akin as long as ‘yung collective effort namin present,” said Mangulabnan, who is in his first year coaching Ateneo.
“Personally, masasabi ko na hindi pa ako satisfied sa ibinigay ko ngayong first round kasi merong ups and downs nga sa play. Yun yung kailangan namin i-work on talaga para sa second round,” Batas shared, acknowledging their inconsistent performance throughout the first seven games.
Ateneo ensured there would be no hiccups in closing out the match, building a commanding 17-8 lead in the third set before sealing the victory in just 80 minutes.
The game was originally scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, but was delayed by 30 minutes due to egress from the 2025 Jisoo Asia Tour event held the night before.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Red Warriors ended the first round winless but aim to turn their fortunes around in the second round.
UE played without its natural setters, Andre Bicar and Dave Poquita, forcing outside spiker Steven Aligayon to assume the role of playmaker. Aligayon delivered 14 excellent sets despite the challenge.
Rookie Raquim Aceron led UE with 14 points, 15 excellent receptions, and five digs, while fellow newcomer Roy Piojo contributed eight points in the losing effort.
