In their most dominant outing for the season, the league-leading Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles romped the Far Eastern University Tamaraws to remain unscathed, 25-16, 25-9, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Blue Eagles swiftly built big leads in each set to put the match out of doubt. Ateneo dominated every skill, tallying season-highs in blocks (10) and aces (9). While they limited their errors to a season-low 18, Ateneo also stifled FEU’s big guns, as no one scored in double figures.
Three-time MVP Marck Espejo powered in 19 points off 14 attacks, two blocks, and three aces to lead the Blue Eagles to their 22nd straight win, dating back to last season. Team captain Karl Baysa added a season-high 13 points.
“I’m happy na my players performed well today,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “Unang-una we prepared din naman kasi talaga kasi alam naman natin na ang FEU two losses lang sila, NU and Ateneo (sa first round) lang. So we cannot take them for granted. Good thing ang mga players ko were just prepared coming to this game.
“Nagkagulatan eh. We thought Saturday pa ang game pero may game na ngayon so I guess ready naman ang mga bata,” he added.
At 8-0, the Blue Eagles look unstoppable as they head into Sunday against the University of the Philippines Maroon Spikers (4-4) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Greg Dolor managed seven points for the Tamaraws, while sophomore Peter Quiel added five points.
FEU remains at third place with a 5-3 slate. They take on the De La Salle University Green Spikers (2-6) also on Sunday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 19, Baysa 16, Intal 6, Koyfman 6, Villanueva 6, Polvorosa 3, Medalla 1, Glorioso 0, Magadia 0, Rivera 0, Sumanguid (L)
FEU (0) – Dolor 7, Quiel 5, Garcia 4, Bugaoan 3, Paler 3, Solis 2, Camcam 1, Suarez 0, Villegas 0, Detalban (L)
