THE ATENEO Blue Eagles remained winless after defeats at the hands of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws , 8-21 and 9-21, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigers, 19-21 and 8-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82 Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, September 28, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in Pasay City. 

Today’s match results place sophomores Abai Llenos and Kurt Aguilar on a five-game losing skid and an 0-5 record.

Aguilar ignited Ateneo’s hot start against FEU’s Jude Garcia and Kevin Hadlocon with a looping shot to the corner, 4-1. The Tamaraws took back the upper hand soon after a series of unforced errors by the Blue Eagles and overwhelmed the Blue Eagles’ defense with attacks. Garcia ended their first set dominance with a drop ball, 8-21

In the second set, Llenos tried to spark a run with a powerful smash down the middle, 8-2, but their offense dried up soon after and FEU pulled away. Hadlocon finished their long rally by hitting the end line, 9-21.

The second match of the day against defending champions UST began with Ateneo flying out of the gates. Aguilar caught fire and snatched points off blocks, 3-0. However, UST’s Jaron Requinton and Rancel Varga flexed their championship experience and scored consecutive offensive plays to pull away from Ateneo. The Growling Tigers narrowly took the set, 21-19.

The second set saw Ateneo’s offense stutter once again. UST took off on a 7-0 run, 11-3. Frustration mounted for the Blue Eagles as it grew increasingly difficult to catch a break on either side of the ball. Varga took the Blue Eagles down with a finish down-the-line, 8-21. 

The Blue Eagles hope to grab their first win in their next game against Adamson University at 12:40 PM on Sunday, September 29, at the Sands at SM by the Bay in Pasay City.

Set Scores:

Ateneo-FEU: 8-21, 9-21

Ateneo-UST: 19-21, 8-21