Reigning three-time UAAP MVP Marck Espejo and the defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles have had their fill of the Adamson University Falcons.
After giving up their first loss of the season to the Soaring Falcons for the past three years, the Blue Eagles dominated their first meeting of UAAP Season 79, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Espejo had his best game of the season, pouring in 22 points on a deadly 20-for-28 attacking clip while doing work in the back row for 10 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro was thankful his team toppled their annual Adamson hump. The fiery mentor was also pleased he did not have to exert himself on the sidelines as he was suffering from a fever.
“I told my players na I wanted them to play well kasi hindi ko kayang sumigaw today. Thankfully, I have great leaders on the team. I think everyone played well today also because they know na for the past three seasons, sa Adamson ‘yung una naming talo. Everyone stepped up today,” said Almadro.
Veteran middle hitter Rex Intal tallied 12 points while Josh Villanueva managed nine points on his birthday.
Ateneo controlled the match in every aspect, dominating all scoring skills which includes a 10-1 block kills tally and 46-30 spiking gap.
The Blue Eagles stake their perfect 4-0 start on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre against the hapless University of the East Red Warriors (0-4).
Jerome Sarmiento led the Falcons with 10 points while Pao Pablico and skipper Mike Sudaria added six markers
The Falcons (0-4) take on the La Salle Green Spikers (1-2) also on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 22, Intal 12, Villanueva 9, Koyfman 8, Medalla 4, Baysa 2, Rivera 1, Glorioso 0, Magadia 0, Medalla 0, Njigha 0, Sumanguid (L)
AdU (0) – Sarmiento 10, Pablico 6, Sudaria 6, Labang 4, Pletado 2, Yude 2, Bello 1, Ramirez 1, Amburgo 0, Melgar 0, Mendiolla (L)
