THE ATENEO Blue Eagles closed the first elimination round of their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s Volleyball campaign toppling the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19. The match was held on March 19 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

Today’s win now gives the Blue and White a 3-4 win-loss standing in the tournament as they sit at fifth place. 

Both teams welcomed the opening set by trading attack points at the net until a strengthened Lance de Castro-led defense allowed Ateneo hitters to take advantage with varied kills. Jett Gopio secured a lead for the Blue and White after a perfect quick attack thanks to Setter Egie Magadia, 11-9. Soon after, the Blue Eagles claimed court momentum with excellent digs and off-the-block points that they sustained until the latter half of the set. Banking off an error that plagued UP, Jian Salarzon unloaded a pipe attack to bring his team to set point until a service error by the Fighting Maroons concluded Set 1, 25-18. 

Seeking to tie the game, the Fighting Maroons earned attack points from quick kills and blocks but their errors continued, allowing Ateneo to catch the lead, 9-7. Following Abai Llenos’ block shutdown at the net, the UP defense faltered, creating a five-point difference approaching the second technical timeout, 15-10. Despite the Fighting Maroons’ effort to bounce back, Salarzon showcased his offensive competence to keep UP at bay, 18-15. The 6’3” outside hitter then led his team to set point again and easily claimed the second canto with an off-the-block point, 25-21.

With methodical sets by Magadia and powerful attacks by Ken Batas, the Blue Eagles welcomed the deciding canto with a 4-0 run. Although the UP defense stood firm, Ateneo attackers outlasted the rallies to keep their 10-8 lead. An ace by Llenos fueled his squad and secured the lead as this was then followed by Magadia setting up his spikers to further destabilize the UP defense. Salarzon took advantage of the misreceive with a kill at the net, until it was the Fighting Maroons’ attack error that eventually concluded the match at 25-19. 

After ending the first round on a high note, the Blue Eagles will look to collect more victories in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Volleyball Tournament. 

Set Scores: 

25-18, 25-21, 25-19

Box Scores:

Ateneo: Salarzon – 17, Llenos – 15, Batas – 11, Gopio – 5, Absin – 5, Magadia – 2

UP: Cajolo – 9, Ijiran – 7, Gamban – 6, Nicolas – 7, Rubin – 7, Santiago – 2, Lagando – 1, Malabanan – 1