The consistent dominance of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles over the entire tournament neared a seemingly inevitable milestone, as the defending champions swept the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-20, 25-21, for their 13th win, Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blue Eagles powered through 29 unforced errors with their explosive offense. Ateneo delivered 10 aces and out-attacked La Salle, 47-29.
Three-time UAAP MVP Marck Espejo led a balanced Ateneo attack with 15 points, while towering opposite Tony Koyfman added 12.
“There were errors that we could have avoided but still I’m with how we played,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
“The season’s not over. The goal is to reach the Finals and win the championship. We’re going to need to prepare a lot and stay focused on our last elimination round game,” added Almadro.
Ateneo have a heavy roadblock ahead, with the second-seeded National University (11-1) standing in the way of the sweep. NU are one of only two teams to take a set over Ateneo.
The last team to sweep the elims was the Season 72 University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, who went on to take the championship.
Joshua Jose, Cris Dumago, and Arjay had eight points each for La Salle.
Out of the Final Four picture, La Salle will play their final match on Wednesday against the University of the East Red Warriors (1-11).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 15, Koyfman 12, Villanueva 11, Baysa 10, Intal 9, Polvorosa 2, Medalla 1, Glorioso 1, Sumanguid (L)
DLSU (0) – Dumago 8, Jose 8, Onia 8, Bacon 6, Delos Reyes 4, Asia G. 0, Movido (L)
