Kennedy Batas came off the bench in Ateneo de Manila University’s first two games of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
The reigning UAAP MVP has served as backup to the Blue Eagles’ starting outside spikers, Aimar Okeke and Jian Salarzon, in both matches.
After Ateneo’s 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 victory over University of the Philippines — where he played a crucial role — Batas explained why he has been limited to a bench role so far this season.
“I just came back from a knee injury and hindi pa ako gaano ka-100-percent. So ayaw naman i-risk ng mga coaches ‘yung health ko kasi iniisip din nila ‘yung future ko,” said the fourth-year outside hitter.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Despite limited playing time, Batas has made his presence felt, particularly in Ateneo’s come-from-behind win against UP. There, he delivered 12 points while appearing only in the third and fourth sets.
He is also grateful for his teammates picking up the slack and for the timely return of Nigerian spiker Aimar Okeke, who missed the lineup in Season 87.
Okeke led the Blue Eagles in their five-set defeat to the Adamson Soaring Falcons in their opening match, posting 23 points and 13 excellent receptions.
“Malaking factor si Aimar sa team kasi sobrang lakas niya, sobrang ‘yung athletic build niya iba sa amin, ‘yung stamina niya rin sa court sobrang taas, so malaking bagay siya,” said Batas, who is still recovering.
“Kahit pag nag-scrimmage kami sa training kasi marami kaming natututunan sa kanya at marami siyang natututunan sa amin.”
Batas and the rest of the Blue Eagles will look to secure another win when they face the UST Golden Spikers on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
#WATCH: HINDI MASA-SACRIFICE ANG FRIENDSHIP NAMIN 🦅
Ken Batas is looking forward to facing good pal Josh Ybanez on Wednesday in #UAAPSeason88 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/Ic8LnMUVhr
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/RwNT4naV7x
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 22, 2026
