THE ATENEO Blue Spikers were victorious in their Final Four semi-final game over the Adamson Falcons in four sets, 25-16, 25-12, 26-28 and 25- 20, on Wednesday, February 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
For the second straight season, the Blue Spikers will advance to the final round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
The Blue Spikers swept the first two sets against the Falcons, exhibiting their best performance with fewer errors than the previous games. Coming out strong, they focused on their attacks and distributed the sets effectively throughout the game.
With all players stepping up, Ateneo successfully led the first two sets, ending it with a score of 25-16 and 25-12, respectively.
“I was happy that we were consistent during the first two sets, but we still have to practice on closing the sets,” says Coach Oliver Almadro in a mix of English and Filipino. “Aside from everyone improving, Marck [Espejo] improved in his service, which is a great benefit to us.”
The third set began with a seesaw battle against the Falcons that lasted throughout the set. Unfortunately, the Blue Spikers committed more errors and the Falcons came back strong with consistency with their attacks and blocks. It was a heated exchange towards the end of the set, as the Falcons were able to sneak past with a 28-26 score.
The Blue Spikers retaliated with more determination, as they were able to bounce back with successful attacks, blocks and service aces. The team was able to close out the game care of the leadership and aggressiveness of Ysay Marasigan, as he sealed the deal for the Blue and White, 25-20.
The Blue Spikers had a 25-point difference against the Adamson Falcons. They also tallied nine team blocks and nine service aces.
Marasigan emerged as the team’s best scorer by accumulating 23 points followed up by Espejo with 22, and Josh Villanueva with 11. Ish Polvorosa took charge on the floor as he distributed the ball with 50 excellent sets while Marasigan and B. Rivera notched nine digs each.
Their next game will be against the winner of the deciding match between University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and National University Bulldogs on Saturday, February 28, 2 PM. The date and venue for the final round has yet to be announced.
Ateneo: Marasigan – 23, Espejo – 22, Villanueva – 11, I. Rivera – 9, Intal – 7, Polvorosa – 3
Adamson: Sudaria – 10, Pablico – 9, David – 8, Saraza – 8, Ramirez – 7, Sarmiento – 6, Mallapre – 2, Pletado – 1