THE ATENEO Blue Eagles prevailed against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Spikers in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 23-25, 15-13 earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila. This victory puts the team at a 3-0 win-loss standing in the round-robin stage of the tournament.

Both teams showcased impressive movement on the court with relentless offense and steady defense to open the match. Rookie setter Enzo Gutierrez hustled to utilize his pin hitters as Amil Pacinio and Ken Batas locked in a variety of kills from the onset, 4-4. However, the Morayta-based squad quickly responded with powerful combination plays as both teams kept the contest at a constant deadlock, with no lead growing to more than one point, 10-10.  

The game changer came off the hands of standout spiker Jian Salarzon after a kill block, 18-16, securing the needed momentum for Ateneo to widen the lead. Soon after, Pacinio and Batas collectively finished the job with powerful kills, not allowing FEU to catch up, 25-22. 

Eager to redeem their first set loss, FEU relied on their net defense in attempts to challenge Pacinio and Batas, 9-11. The Tamaraws continued to dominate on the offensive front with their lethal combination plays in attempts to stifle Ateneo defenders Nevertheless, the persevering floor coverage led by Team Captain Lance De Castro helped keep FEU’s lead to a minimum, 15-14. After an exchange of kills at the latter end of the set, Salarzon locked in two consecutive points with a kill and a block, 24-23, allowing Batas to deny FEU a chance to extend the set with a block, 25-23.

The Tamaraws secured a three point lead early in the third set by using the hands of the blue blockade for off-the-block points, 5-8. FEU kept applying the pressure until the second technical timeout, with Andrei Delicana successfully firing down kills to Ateneo’s court to create a four-point lead, 12-16. Despite good kills from the Blue Eagles, the Morayta-based squad refused to back down, taking the crucial set with a kill and an ace, 18-25. 

The following set saw similar results as FEU was determined to extend the match. The Tamaraws kept the advantage with Jomel Cordilla dominating on the front row, 10-11. Setter Ariel Cacao continued to orchestrate tactical plays for the Tamaraws, letting Dryx Saavedra execute speedy hits to keep their hopes alive, 23-25. 

A heated deadlock opened the deciding canto until Batas took advantage of the regalo to create a two-point lead, 8-6. Coupled with unforced errors from FEU, Salarzon showcased his offensive prowess by powering through the FEU wall, 13-8. However, Ateneo was not in the clear just yet as FEU managed to lock in two straight points with a block against Pacinio, 14-13. Hungry to stay undefeated, Gutierrez relied on Jett Gopio for the winning quick attack, simultaneously forcing Jelord Talisayan to commit an overreaching violation, 15-13. 

The Blue Eagles look to maintain their perfect record as they are set to face rivals, the De La Salle University Green Spikers on Friday, September 1, at 12:00 PM in the same venue.