Ateneo de Manila University secured the top spot in Pool B after taking down the also-ran University of the Philippines in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17, in the 2022 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at the Paco Arena.
Ken Batas took charge for the Blue Eagles, hammering down 20 points on 14 attacks, four kill blocks, and two service aces while Jettlee Gopio had 13 points on seven attacks, four aces, and two blocks.
Ateneo clinched the number one seed after posting a 4-1 record with a total of 12 points while University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, which also tallied a 4-1 standing, was relegated to the second seed with 11 points.
“Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na no matter what maging posisyon namin sa pool play, kailangan yung mindset namin iisa pa rin e,” said Blue Eagles head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
“Kahit sino ‘mang makalaban namin. Ito, non-bearing game siya sa amin kasi we’re already in the quarterfinals pero sabi ko sa kanila we’re not yet at that stage kung saan pwede tayong mamili ng kalaban. Kahit sino yung makalaban namin dapat ganun pa rin yung intensity namin,” he added.
Louis Gamban paced the Fighting Maroons with 18 points while Ranz Cajolo and Angelo Lagando added 14 and 11 points, respectively.
