The championship match between the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles and the National University Bulldogs was never close.
To put it bluntly, the entire UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament was never close – Ateneo was just too good.
To end their best volleyball season in school history, the Blue Eagles thoroughly dominated the Bulldogs 25-16, 25-20, 25-19, to clinch their second consecutive UAAP Men’s Volleyball title at the Mall of Asia Arena.
All season, the Blue Eagles were brilliant all-around – the title-clinching match was a fitting coronation for the most dominant men’s volleyball champion in years. Facing a young NU squad that tortured their program in years past, Ateneo simply refused to give an inch. The Blue Eagles were overwhelming on both offense and defense leading to a fairly quick match.
In his final match in the UAAP, team captain Ysay Marasigan led his team with 12 points and seven digs en route to the Finals MVP trophy. Josh Villanueva and Marck Espejo added 11 markers.
The Blue Eagles’ trek to their third straight Finals had only a few road bumps. Aside from an early-season loss to the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, Ateneo only faced two five-setters. Their 13-1 elimination round record was their best in school history.
In the three seasons Marck Espejo and Ysay Marasigan has dawned the Ateneo blue and white, the Blue Eagles have made the Finals, Espejo has won the MVP award every year, and Polvorosa has also been the Best Setter every season.
“Sobrang nakaka-proud kasi ang laki ng naitutulong sa akin ng Ateneo, ng teammates ko, ng coaches ko, lahat. Siguro sobrang blessed lang namin kasi nakakarating kami lagi ng Finals and nare-represent namin ang Ateneo ng ganito,” said Espejo.
“It’s one of those things I would never have thought I could achieve,” said Polvorosa. “I’m just really thankful for the opportunity to represent the school and that we won a championship is just icing on the cake.”
“Kung ako ang papipiliin, dalawa sana ang Finals MVP ko, kasama si Ish,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “I just told the team to always believe that they are worthy and believe in each other. I’m happy that we reached another championship.”
Only one player played his final match for the NU Bullodogs. Former Best Setter Vince Mangulabnan poured his heart out in his last match match as he tossed 20 excellent sets.
Every other Bulldogs has at least playing years left in the UAAP.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Marasigan 12, Espejo 11, Villanueva 11, Intal 7, Baysa 6, Polvorosa 2, Posadas 0, Rivera 0, Magadia 0, Glorioso 0, Sumanguid (L)
NU (0) – Natividad 8, Saura 7, Bagunas 5, Gampong 4, Malabunga 3, Baysac 0, Mangulabnan 0, Ancheta 0, Dayandante 0, Marcos (L)
