Ateneo de Manila University bucked a slow start and then fought a valiant stand from Far Eastern University in four sets, 19-25, 28-26, 25-18, 25-21, to remain undefeated in Group B of the 2022 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Friday afternoon at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.
The win puts the Blue Eagles on the cusp of making the last eight at a 3-0 win-loss record, while the Tamaraws suffered their second loss for a 1-2 card.
Despite coughing up a total of 32 errors throughout the match, Abai Llenos and Kalle Blomstedt pulled through in the fourth to put the match in favor of Ateneo.
“I was very happy that the team performed well despite the slow start lalo na nung pinull out ko yung dalawang starters ko na si Jian (Salarzon) at si Amil (Pacinio),” head caoch Timothy Sto. Tomas said. “I’m very happy that Kalle and Abai responded to the job. I’m very happy na ganon yung kinilos nila. Hopefully, magtuluy-tuloy.”
Llenos starred for the Blue Eagles on 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, to go with 12 excellent receptions, while Blomstedt added eight points, including two kills in the tail-end of the fourth.
Dryx Saavedra led the charge for the Tamaraws with 13 points on 10 spikes, two blocks, and a service ace. JJ Javelona was limited to eight markers by the Ateneo defense.
