Ateneo showed a hot start with a flurry of attacks from their usual duo of Marck Espejo and Ysrael Marasigan. The Blue Spikers jumped to an early 10-point lead in the opening set with consecutive attacks and errors from La Salle. The Green Spikers rallied to tie the set late at 23 but Espejo, entering the frontline, gave Ateneo the late set points to clinch the starting frame.
Contrary to the first set, the Blue Spikers denied any chances of a La Salle comeback in the second set as their early lead was maintained until the set point. The blue and white squad’s defense stood tall and forced errors for their collegiate rivals.
Despite a tough fight put up by DLSU in the third set, Ateneo was able to withstand the rally and close the set thanks to their floor defense anchored by libero Bartolome Rivera who had eight digs alone.
Ateneo had more attacks, 40-26, and blocked more, 11-6. Espejo inked in 16 points including three blocks. Captain Marasigan scored 15, 13 coming from attacks. John Onia led La Salle with a dismal seven point outing.
The Blue Spikers improve to a 3-2 record while the Green Spikers slide to 1-4.
Ateneo seeks its third straight win against the slumping UE Warriors on the first game date of 2015, while La Salle continues its search for rhythm in the season against Adamson on Dec. 13.
The scores:
ADMU- Espejo 16, Marasigan 15, Intal 7, Villanueva 6, Rivera 5, Baysa 2, Santos 1, Senoren 1, Polvorosa 1, Bello 0, Rivera(L) 0
DLSU- Onia 7, Del Pilar 6, Calderon 6, Frey 6, Dumago 4, Christensen 1, Dimayuga 1, Bartolome 1, Asia 1, Relcopan 0, Dizon(L) 0, Movido(L) 0
