The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles closed in on a second straight championship after a rousing Game One win over the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The young, retooled Bulldogs showed they could hold their own against the defending champs in the first set. NU kept it close, and took the set down the stretch through loaded serving and decisive attacking. Tied at 22, Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad drilled hits to bring Ateneo to set point. Ish Polvorosa then served short to end the set.
The following sets, however, turned into thrashings, as Ateneo built early leads and buried NU. Ateneo broke away from a tight 12-11 lead and took a 17-12 to seal the frame. The following sets saw Ateneo immediately take five-point advantages. Through terrific defense on the floor and at the net, the Blue Eagles maintained their lead.
“NU is a very powerul and tall team. We needed to match their energy and intensity everytime,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “I’m glad we were able to do that today. We need to continue this into the next match.”
Reigning MVP Marck Espejo towed Ateneo’s attack with 21 points. Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan added 13 and 12 markers respectively.
Middle hitters Kim Malagunga and Rueben Baysac each tallied 13 markers, while James Natividad and Madz Gampong provided 12 points each.
Ateneo have been in the Finals for the past three seasons and can win their second straight title if they win Game Two on Wednesday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. If NU force a Game Three, the do-or-die match will be next Saturday, April 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
ADMU (3) – Espejo 21, Intal 13, Marasigan 12, Baysa 9, Villanueva 7, Polvorosa 7, Medalla 0, Magadia 0, Rivera 0, Sumanguid (L).
NU (1) – Baysac 13, Malabunga 13, Gampong 12, Natividad 12, Bagunas 5, Mangulabnan 1, Ancheta 0, Sumagui 0, Saura 0, Marcos (L).
