The Ateneo Blue Eagles have only dropped a few matches in the Marck Espejo era, but they’ve been nearly unstoppable when facing the National University Bulldogs.
The defending back-to-back champions scored a classic four-set victory over the Bulldogs, 27-25, 25-23, 23-25, 16-25 for their second win of UAAP Season 79 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Ever since reigning three-time MVP Marck Espejo and reigning three-time Best Setter Ish Polvoroa suited up for the Loyola-based spikers, the Blue Eagles are now 10-3 against the Season 75 champions overall, rattling off nine straight dating back to Season 77. The Blue Eagles also sport a 6-0 record over the Bulldogs in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference.
“Playing against NU is always a challenge. Their a great program and they’ve always been strong. They were the champions before us. People say this is a good gauge for us, but it’s still too early and all the teams have been preparing well this season,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
To start the match, the Bulldogs had everything going for them – Ateneo was giving up serve errors, Karl Baysa sustained a wrist injury, and the Bulldogs were getting aces. But Ateneo found a way to keep the set close and got lucky errors from NU’s side. The Blue Eagles wore down on NU until the Bulldogs piled on errors and mis-receptions to seal the win.
“I applaud my team’s leadership. I think they showed composure and provided crucial plays for us talaga. Hopefully, this continues,” added Almadro.
Espejo powered in 18 points on 17-for-25 attacking while American Tony Koyfman provided 13 markers.
Ateneo (2-0) next faces the FEU (2-0) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
NU figured in the closest Ateneo match they’ve had since Season 77. Bryan Bagunas led his team with 23 points but was the only Bulldog in double-digits.
“Kaunti na lang talaga. May mga maliliit kaming desisyon na hindi na-execute nang maayos. Pero ma-adjust pa namin ‘yan. Hopefully, next match hindi na kami maraming error,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
NU (1-1) takes on Adamson (0-2) also on Sunday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 18, Koyfman 15, Intal 8, Villanueva 6, Baysa 5, Polvorosa 4, Medalla 3, Sumanguid (L)
NU (1) – Bagunas 23, Ismail 8, Natividad 8, Saura 3, Baysac 2, Dayandante 2, Gampong 2, Malabunga 2, Ponti 1, Ancheta 0, Marcos (L)
