Defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles continued to sit atop the standings after a four-set triumph over Katipunan neighbors University of the Philippines Maroon Spikers, 25-19, 26-28, 25-15, 25-16 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
On a quest for a three-peat, Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro emphasized the need to keep getting better despite their immaculate 9-0 record.
“9-0, pero sabi ko nga sa mga players ko, it’s hard to be numbers one but it’s harder to stay at number one. Yun ang nasa mindset namin ngayon, it’s harder to stay at No. 1 so we have to do everything para maka-stay doon and ma-achieve ang goal namin this year,” Almadro shared. “We know naman na everybody is preparing for us. Sabi ko nga, bakit kapag kami ang kalaban ng ibang teams, talagang high intensity sila. Kami ang nagiging gauge, so sabi ko sa kanila we are the gauge so they will try to reach us.”
Ateneo’s second set loss, according to Almadro, came as a result of his tinkering with the lineup.
“I’m experimenting something kasi so siyempre it’s a price to pay. Pero sabi ko nga, we have to be consistent pero hindi ko naman pwede ibale-wala yung risk. Para sa akin kasi, high risk, high reward,” the two-time UAAP champion coach said.
“So we should take the risk sometimes, then from that, we will learn. Mahirap naman yung constant ka lang, and then walang change, walang addition sa sarili. What’s important is constant ka, but you’re still taking the risk para yung reward mas masarap,” Almadro added.
Three-time MVP Marck Espejo led the Blue Eagles with 19 points, seven digs, and 22 excellent receptions from 36 attempts. Veteran middle blocker Rex Intal added 16 points, including four blocks.
Ateneo next play on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre against the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers (3-5).
Sophomore Mark Millete continues his hot streak, scoring 18 points to lead UP. Alfred Valbuena added 12.
The Maroons remain at fourth place with a 4-5 record. They face the University of the East Red Warriors (1-7) also on Saturday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 19, Intal 16, Villanueva 15, Medalla 11, Koyfman 8, Baysa 4, Glorioso 0, Rivera 0, Sumanguid (L)
UP (1) – Millete 18, Valbuena 12, Castillo 6, San Pascual 6, Baldelovar 3, Miguel 3, Acuna 0, Consuelo 0, Trinidad 0, Nasol (L)
