Ateneo de Manila University kicked off its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball second-round campaign with a commanding 25-16, 25-18, 25-21 victory over the University of the Philippines, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Dan Nicolas and Tommy Castrodes tried to spark a comeback for the Fighting Maroons, trimming the deficit to 16-18 in the third set, but the Blue Eagles swiftly shut the door to seal the straight-sets win.
Amil Pacinio, Jettlee Gopio, and Jian Salarzon spearheaded Ateneo’s strong finish, lifting the team to a 5-3 record, securing solo third place ahead of idle UST Golden Spikers and De La Salle Green Spikers, both at 4-3.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Masaya ako sa pinakita ng team kasi itong second round sabi ko nag-reset na kami kasi hindi siya like nung first round na wala kaming guide or any pwedeng reviewin or kahit ‘yung ibang teams,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan.
Pacinio led the Blue Eagles with 17 points on 12-of-19 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, while also contributing four digs in the dominant one-hour, 17-minute win.
Kennedy Batas, the frontrunner in the Most Valuable Player race after the first round, added 14 points on 13 attacks and one ace, along with 10 excellent receptions out of 15 attempts. Salarzon chipped in 10 points.
Ateneo outclassed UP in both spiking and service, registering a 45-35 advantage in attacks and a 7-0 edge in aces.
“Itong second round, mababago lahat kasi nag-meet na nung first round, ito na yung time para sa basahan talaga ng laro,” added Mangulabnan, a former NU standout.
The Blue Eagles return to action next Saturday against Adamson University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, Nicolas and Castrodes led the Fighting Maroons with 10 points apiece, with the latter — an Adamson High School product — contributing 12 excellent receptions. Olayemi Raheem added nine points.
UP will look to bounce back on Wednesday when it faces defending champion National University at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
