THE ATENEO Blue Eagles defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in straights sets with scores of 25-18, 25-19, 25-21 on Sunday, February 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blue and White entered the game expecting UP to be a formidable opponent, with the Fighting Maroons previously on a three-game winning streak. However, the Ateneo’s advantage in maturity gave them an edge to emerge victorious in the day’s match.
“We didn’t expect to win in three straight sets,” said Head Coach Oliver Almadro. “But I told the players that this will be a very long week for us, so they have to be prepared for it.”
Both teams had their share of errors and remained balanced in both attacks and defense. Although the Blue Eagles led in the first two sets, the third set became much more of a challenge. Almadro said that a big factor that his team overcame was the struggle of some key players recovering from minor illnesses. Fortunately, the rest of his boys were able to step in and perform well during the final set.
This win puts the Blue Eagles at 4-1 in the elimination round standings of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 78 Men’s Volleyball tournament.
Their next game will be against the University of the East, 8:00AM, Wednesday, February 24 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
https://storify.com/TheGUIDONSports/battle-of-katipunan-ateneo-overwhelms-maroons-in-s
