THE ATENEO Blue Eagles won in three sets, 25-22, 25-20, 25-21, against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers on Saturday, April 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Blue Eagles are one win away from sweeping the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Men’s Volleyball tournament elimination round with a current 13-0 record.

In the second to the last game of the elimination round, Head Coach Oliver Almadro opted to start his usual starting seven of Marck Espejo, Ish Polvorosa, Tony Koyfman, Josh Villanueva, Rex Intal, Karl Baysa, and libero Manuel Sumanguid. The team heated up early and a running spike off a lone blocker by Villanueva gave the Blue Eagles an early seven-point lead (11-4). Unfortunately, attack errors and miscommunication on defense allowed the Green Archers to catch up and a wide attack by Koyfman tied the game (14-14). DLSU eventually took the lead thanks to a double-contact by the Blue Eagles (17-18) Polvorosa was shown a yellow card for attempting to appeal the call. Excellent receives and successful attacks by Espejo allowed the Blue Eagles to rally back and tie the game (21-21). Ateneo then went on a 4-1 run highlighted by Espejo scoring two aces, which ended the set (25-22).

The Katipunan-based squad had a similar hot start for the second set and a quick attack by Villanueva gave his team the five-point lead heading into the first technical time-out (8-3). Further into the set, Espejo scored with back-to-back aces to further extend the lead (12-4). Similar to the first set, the Green Archers were able to close the gap early and Coach Almadro was forced to call a time-out after substitute Gian Glorioso was denied by Delos Reyes (15-14). Unforced errors proved to be the bane of the Blue Eagles, as a wide attack by Baysa surrendered the lead (18-19). Unfortunately for the Green Archers, Ateneo went on another late run led by Tony Koyfman who was able to successfully deny Arjay Onia’s attack (23-20). The last rally had Marck Espejo feint a back row attack into a jump set for Koyfman who then went for a cross-court spike that forced the La Salle net-touch (25-20).

The Blue Eagles started strong once again in the third set and a drop ball by Villanueva gave them the six-point lead heading into the first technical time-out (8-2). The Green Archers attempted to rally back as usual, but an attack by Baysa off Asia’s block and a service ace by Polvorosa ensured the lead for the Blue and White (13-7). Ateneo’s scoring run seemed untouchable and a cross-court attack by Espejo off an excellent set by Polvorosa, which was preceded by an excellent dig from Sumanguid pushed the lead to eight (17-9). Further into the set, Polvorosa was shown a red card for his appeal of a lifting violation. Ateneo was on the edge of victory, as an attack by Baysa off the two-man block saw the Blue Eagles move to within three points of winning the match (22-15). The Green Archers had different plans, however, as they gunned for the dream comeback. Unfortunately for them, the Ateneo offense was too much to handle and Villanueva ended the match with a quick attack (25-21).

Marck Espejo finished with 15 points, 4 aces, and 12 out of 18 excellent receives, while Tony Koyfman notched 12 points, 4 aces, and a block. The team had an attacking success rate of 52.2% with Villanueva leading at 71.43% and Espejo with 64.71%. The efficient offense was made possible by Ish Polvorosa’s 41 out of 80 excellent sets.

“I know my players are working hard and are preparing very well in every game,” said Coach Almadro. He also praised the resiliency of his players and how they were able to bounce back after making mistakes. According to Coach Almadro, “we have to keep on pushing forward.” He also commented on Espejo’s take charge mentality and how everyday his players are constantly maturing.

The Blue Eagles will face rivals, National University Bulldogs on Saturday, April 8, 8AM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Box Scores

Ateneo: Espejo-15, Koyfman-12, Villanueva-11, Baysa-10, Intal-9, Polvorosa-2, Medalla-1

DLSU: Dumago-8, Onia-8, Jose-8, Bacon-6, Delos Reyes-4