First-game jitters did not hold back the defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles for long in their first match for UAAP Season 79. The Katipunan Spikers made short work of hosts University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers 25-23, 25-14, 25-18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST had the upper hand for much of the opening set. After sprinting to a 5-1 advantage, the Tiger Spikers maintained the advantage until the Blue Eagles made their run and tied the set at 15. As UST’s offense disintegrated, Ateneo took advantage on the block and transition, negotiating a 23-21 late advantage. UST threatened to come back following a block and wrongly called mishit tied the set at 23. Ateneo, however, had too much firepower as Marck Espejo and Tony Koyfman converted on the next two plays.
As the Blue Eagles got their bearings, the match turned into a romp in the next two sets with UST succumbing to big leads early. Three-time MVP Marck Espejo powered in a game-high 13 points while rookie Koyfman and veteran middle hitter Josh Villanueva added eight apiece.
“We were rushing things to start the match. It took us a while to get into our game. It’s something that’s been a problem for us in the past and it’s definitely something we need to fix as the season goes along,” rued Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
The Blue Eagles (1-0) face a huge test early in the season as they take on the NU Bulldogs (1-0), a rematch of the Finals for the last two seasons, on February 8 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“It is going to be a challenge for us kasi NU is intact. They’re still powerful and tall. It might be an advantage for us that they haven’t won against us for a long time. But we’re not going to stop preparing for them,” said Almadro.
Manuel Medina towed UST with eight points while team captain Arnold Bautista added seven.
The Tiger Spikers (0-1) take on the La Salle Green Spikers (0-0) on February 11 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Ateneo (3) – Espejo 13, Koyfman 8, Villanueva 8, Baysa 5, Intal 5, Medalla 2, Polvorosa 2, Glorioso 1, Magadia 0, Rivera 0, Sumanguid (L)
UST (0) – Medina 8, Bautista 7, Cardon 6, Sumagaysay 6, Jose 5, Buro 0, Pangan 0, Francisco (L)
