Ateneo de Manila University booted out rival De La Salle University in three tight sets, 25-23, 25-17, 27-25, in the quarterfinals of the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Abai Llenos took charge in the extended third set, scoring the final two points to finish off the Green Spikers and push the Blue Eagles to the semifinals. He ended up with a game-high 21 points on 17 attacks, three kill blocks, and an ace.
James Licauco dished out 17 excellent sets while Lance De Castro gathered 15 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions.
“Yung first part ng first set medyo disappointing kasi most of the points na nakuha ng La Salle came from our errors. Sobrang dami. Pero medyo thankful naman ako na yung mga ginamit namin sa bench nag-step up talaga,” said Ateneo head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas
JM Ronquillo led the way for La Salle with 18 points and six digs while Noel Kampton was held to just 12 points.
Ateneo will face the winner of the UST-FEU quarterfinals duel in the semis on November 23, Wednesday at 5:00 PM while La Salle will go up against the loser of the same match-up on the same day at 1:00 PM.
