THE ATENEO Blue Eagles outlasted the San Beda University (SBU) Red Lions in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, 25-18, 25-17, 25-21, earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila. This puts the team at a 2-0 win-loss standing in the round-robin stage of the tournament.

The Red Lions wasted no time in establishing their quick attacks to claim the lead for the opening canto 4-8. Coupled with errors on the receive from Ateneo, SBU kept their advantage with sharp kills targeting the seam between the Ateneo defenders, 11-7. However, a series of attack errors allowed outside hitter Jian Salarzon to snatch the lead back for Ateneo with an off-the-block point, 16-15. Amil Pacinio proceeded to maximize the newfound momentum with kills from the blocks and the wings to claim the first set, 25-18.

Although SBU opened Set 2 with a more aggressive playstyle, setter Enzo Gutierrez kept the Red Lions at bay by feeding all Blue Eagle attackers for kills, 11-9. Although errors plagued both squads, Ateneo quickly responded with clean kills and steady floor coverage midway through the second set. Pacinio maintained his good form with impressive net defense and varied ball placement, steering the Blue Eagles to another set win, 25-17.

Eager to extend the game, the Red Lions activated their combination plays early in the third frame, but Jett Gopio managed to give Ateneo the lead for good with unstoppable quick attacks and points from the service line, 8-7. The Blue Eagles played with chemistry and composure with Salarzon, Pacinio, and Gopio working to lock in crucial kills, stifling SBU’s attempts to catch up, 19-16. Soon enough, freshman setter Eijra Taluban entered the game to deliver a game-winning quick attack for Gopio to execute at 25-21.

The Blue Eagles look to collect more wins as they are set to face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, August 27, at 2:00 PM in the same venue.

Set Score: 25-18, 25-17, 25-21