ATENEO de Manila University checked a two-game slide by keeping Adamson University winless, 25-15, 25-23, 25-13, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at Philsports Arena on Sunday night.
Jian Salarzon led the Blue Eagles balanced attack with 13 points on 10 spikes and three blocks, while Ken Batas added 12 points of his own.
Abai Llenos added 10 points, eight excellent receptions, and six digs, while Jetlee Gopio almost breached double figures with nine as middle blocker Charles Absin had five.
“We’re very happy na at least kahit papaano we were able to get our second win after losing two straight. Hopefully mag tuloy tuloy siya patapos nitong first round at madala namin itong momentum na ito going into the second round,” said head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
Ateneo ran away from the Soaring Falcons early in the third by scoring six straight, capped by Batas’ kill from the back row, to turn a 7-5 lead into a 13-5 blowout.
The Blue Eagles grabbed a piece of the fifth spot along with University of the East at 2-3, while the Soaring Falcons dropped to 0-5, tied with University of the Philippines at the bottom.
Evander Novillo paced Adamson with nine points while John Gay got six points. Josh Magalaman and Francis Casas also made five each.
Ateneo will aim for back-to-back wins on Wednesday against University of Santo Tomas, while Adamson will shoot for its first win next Sunday against De La Salle University.
