THE BLUE Eagle tandem became another casualty of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81 Beach Volleyball Tournament,  3-21, 5-21, at the SM Sands by the Bay in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws capped off their elimination round undefeated, with a straight set domination of rookies Abai Llenos and Kurt Aguilar who represented the Blue and White alongside Zolo Ligot on the team’s reserve.

Coming into the game, Ateneo just needed a win to possibly tie for the fourth spot, while FEU entered having dropped only one set in the entire tournament. Ateneo’s first attack point came in the middle of the first set off an overhead set by Llenos, 2-13.

FEU’s Jude Garcia was consistently serving well against the Katipunan-based tandem which led to either aces or errors. Even if the Blue and White were able to get the ball up, Garcia’s blocking was also a big factor that prevented Ateneo from gaining any momentum. A net touch violation finished the set at 3-21 to become the fastest set of the tournament.

The second set started off well for the Blue Eagles, but the Tamaraws were easily able to pull away early. Aguilar’s blocking was the lone bright spot of the set, and it was with the rookie’s block that Ateneo earned their fifth and final point, 5-12. A 9-0 run by FEU was capped off by a cross-court kill to end the set, 5-21.

Despite the heavy loss, the young squad can hold their heads up high after their first time out amongst the best of collegiate volleyball. They finish the season at a 2-5 record, highlighted by wins against their rivals, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons and the De La Salle University Green Archers.

Set Scores

Ateneo-FEU: 3-21, 5-21