Grabbing the first two sets against the NU Bulldogs, the Blue Spikers could not muster enough effort to maintain the momentum, as the NU Bulldogs knocked them out in the succeeding three sets, 3-2, on December 1, at the Filoil Arena.

The NU Bulldogs gained momentum during the third and fourth set, and by the time the Blue Spikers had found rhythm to their game, they found themselves chasing after every Bulldog point.

The game started off on track for the Blue Spikers, edging out the Bulldogs 25-16 in the first set, as Neil Flores and Duane Teves’ attacks pierced through a fumbling NU defense. By the second set, the momentum had carried on, affording Coach Boyet Del Moro to play second string players, Walter Caancan and rookie Ricci Gonzales in a 25-22 rout.

Ateneo eased off on the third set, while NU coach Oliver Almadro shook up NU’s defensive game plan, covering Ateneo’s favored attack spots. NU’s stagnant offense picked up some steam when Bulldog Peter Torres’ blocks started an offensive flurry, gaining control of the game.

Coach Boyet Delmoro quickly sent back his starting six in the game to halt NU’s momentum, but the Bulldogs were not to be denied. Danilo Ramosa and Ariel Baloaloa attacked Ateneo’s rear, leaving Ateneo libero Vian Serranilla exposed.

As the fifth set started, both teams shored up their defenses, playing extended possessions. Errors were minimal for the Blue Spikers, but NU’s Torres and Baloaloa denied most of Flores, Ortega and Teves’ attacks. The Bulldogs on the other hand, attacked with power. Despite all their efforts, it was too late for Ateneo to regroup and NU’s Ariel Baloaloa’s spike capped the fifth set, 15-13.

Danilo Ramosa led the Bulldogs with 18 points, 17 off spikes. Ariel Baloaloa followed with 16 points, five off blocks. Duane Teves led the charge for Ateneo, scoring 15 points, followed by Neil Flores with 13, 11 off spikes. The Ateneo Blue Spikers skid to a 0-2 standing.

Sets: 16-25, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, 15-13