Ateneo de Manila University extended the misery of University of Santo Tomas, taking a marathon 15-25, 32-30, 20-25, 25-20, 17-15 victory in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The deciding set was a seesaw battle with either side only getting a one-point lead in any occasion until the 15-all scoreline.
From there, Ken Batas went down-the-line for the Blue Eagles match point before Amil Pacinio’s service which was misreceived by the Golden Spikers paved the way for Jian Salarzon’s tip for the win in two hours and 32 minutes.
“Everyone’s ecstatic that we were able to pull a win today. Sobrang happy kami kasi everyone followed our game plan that’s why we were able to win,” said Ateneo head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
The Blue Eagles, down 1-2, opened up the fourth frame with a 17-12 strong start that led UST coach Odjie Mamon to mix it up, however, it did not work as Salarzon and Jettlee Gopio combined to force the fifth set, 25-20.
“Nung una kasi hindi ako nagexpect ng magandang gagawin kasi yun nga galing akong injury pero sinundan ko lang yung game plan ni coach,” said Gopio, who just recovered from a left leg injury but still tallied 17 points on 14-of-29 attacks and three blocks.
The Blue Eagles jumped back to the win column at 3-2 to move up to the upper half of the standings.
The Golden Spikers saw their slump stretched to three games to fall outside the top-four zone with a 2-3 record.
Salarzon led the Ateneo attack with 22 points and 28 excellent receptions, while Batas and Pacinio added 18 and 17 points, respectively, with the former getting 12 digs and the latter making 15 receptions.
Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez went for 31 points but it all went for naught for the Golden Spikers.
Popoy Colinares added 18 points, Gboy de Vega had 16, and Sherwin Umandal dropped 10.
Both teams will return on Wednesday at the same bayside Pasay arena.
UST will face University of the Philippines at 10 a.m. followed by Ateneo’s clash with Adamson University at 12 p.m.
