Relying on balanced offense and solid reception, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles doused the red-hot Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 25-18, 25-15, 25-19, to keep their perfect start going, Sunday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Tamaraws had short-lived, three-point leads in the first and third sets, but both times, the Eagles calmly climbed back and dominated the late portions. The Blue Eagles were 38-for-72 in attacks and 27-for-48 in reception, stopping FEU’s momentum every time.
“I told my players na we need to be more mature. In those types of situations, everyone needs to contribute and aggressive. I’m happy na my players responded,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
Three-time Best Setter Ish Polvorosa distributed the offense well to the tune of 30 excellent sets. Three-time MVP Marck Espejo had 12 points on 10-for-18 attacking, and was 15-for-20 on reception. Skipper Karl Baysa added 10 points on seven-for-14 attacking.
Ateneo (3-0) next take on the struggling Adamson University Falcons (0-3) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Adamson is still a strong team. That’s why I keep telling my players that we need to squeeze — squeeze every bit of effort and determination out of ourselves during practice and games because the season is only going to get tougher from here,” added Almadro.
The Tamaraws struggled to get past Ateneo’s defense, converting just 26 of their 84 attack attempts. Veteran middle blocker Greg Dolor led his team with just 10 points, while sophomore Jude Garcia managed just nine.
FEU (2-1) will try to bounce back against the University of the EAst Warriors (0-2) also on Saturday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 12, Baysa 10, Intal 9, Koyfman 8, Villanueva 8, Polvorosa 3, Glorioso 1, Medalla 1, Sumanguid (L)
FEU (0) – Dolor 10, Garcia 9, Solis 4, Paler 3, Quiel 3, Bugaoan 2, Villegas 1, Bautista 0, Camcam 0, Detalban 0, Suarez 0, Marmeto (L)
