Ateneo de Manila University continued to have University of Santo Tomas’ number, gaining a 22-25, 26-24, 25-23, 26-28, 15-9 win to return to the win column of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Blue Eagles also defeated the Golden Spikers in the first round, a 15-25, 32-30, 20-25, 25-20, 17-15 victory last March 9 before stumbling into back-to-back defeats.
Ateneo is level with UST at fourth to fifth spots with 4-4 records, holding the tiebreaker due to the “win over the other” rule.
Up by three in the fifth, 11-8, the Blue Eagles leaned on Ken Batas with two hits while also getting the good side of UST’s two errors to cap the match in two hours and 26 minutes.
“We’re very happy that we were able to get a win again starting this second round especially since we’re coming from back-to-back losses,” said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas. “Maganda lang siguro rin yung pag-aaral namin sa UST.”
Dux Yambao’s smart 1-2 play followed by Popoy Colinares’ push shot gave the Golden Spikers the fourth set and the extension, 28-26.
The match was a battle between the top spikers of both teams with Jian Salarzon getting the last laugh. He had 32 points on 29 attacks, two blocks, an ace – and best of all, the win.
UST’s Josh Ybañez uncorked 33 points to go with 13 receptions and 10 digs.
“Sobrang happy sa naging outcome ng game ngayon. Credit din sa teammates ko kasi yung 30 points ko, hindi ko naman yan magagawa kung hindi dahil sa tulong nila,” said Salarzon.
Batas also delivered 25 points while Amil Pacinio had 10 points, 26 receptions, and 14 digs.
De Vega backed the reigning MVP with 18 points and 17 receptions. Colinares netted 10 points.
Ateneo matches up with the struggling University of the Philippines at 10:00 AM. Meanwhile, UST looks to rebound when it faces last year’s Finals foe National University at 12:00 PM.
