This weekend saw the start of the Blue and Lady Spikers, and the revamped Blue Batters’ UAAP campaigns. While Team Ateneo stands at 0-3, losing their opening games, the Spikers and Blue Batters faced tough competition in the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Kicking off the weekend first were the Blue and Lady Spikers as they were pitted against perennial volleyball contenders and reigning UAAP champions—for both the men’s and women’s division—UST.

The Blue Spikers bowed down in three sets, 25-20, 25-16, 25-17, UST dominating Ateneo across all boards—spikes (44-20), blocks (7-6), and serves (8-2)—and even in errors, UST committing 25 to Ateneo’s 16.

The Lady Spikers, on the other hand, put up a good fight, pushing the Lady Tigresses to five sets, but fell short at the end, 25-13, 18-25, 19-25, 26-24, 15-13.  Kara Acevedo led the Lady Spikers with 15, while Jorella De Jesus and Fille Cainglet chipped in 14 points apiece, but it would not be enough as UST’s Aiza Maizo cashed in 32 points alone.

For the Blue Batters, their season began the next day, also against reigning UAAP champions, Adamson. Amidst the hype surrounding the rookies, the Falcons proved to be too powerful for the young team, crushing the boys in Blue 13-3.

There’s only one way to go for Team Ateneo, facing the strongest teams and favorites to regain the title, the Ateneo Spikers and the Blue Batters still have a lot to show for.

The Blue and Lady Spikers will look to bounce back against the National University Bulldogs, December 1 (Wednesday), at the Filoil Arena; and the Blue Batters continue their road to redemption, when they face the De La Salle Green Archers, December 2 (Thursday) at the Rizal Memorial.

On a side note, the Lady Batters will begin their campaign on December 1 (Wednesday), against Adamson at the University of Philippines field and the Blue Eagles continue their pursuit to become back-to-back PCCL Champions on November 30 (Tuesday), 2PM, at the Filoil Arena.

UPCOMING GAMES

November 30

2PM Ateneo Blue Eagles vs. UC Webmasters (Filoil Arena)

December 1

11AM Ateneo Blue Spikers vs. NU (Filoil Arena)

1PM Ateneo Lady Batters vs. Adamson (UP Field)

2PM Ateneo Lady Spikers vs. NU (Filoil Arena)

December 2

7:30 AM Ateneo Blue Batters vs. DLSU (Rizal Memorial)