THE ATENEO Blue Eagles conceded to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers in a three-set sweep, 17-25, 15-25, 19-25, earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila. 

The stellar Green Spiker tandem of Team Captain JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton led the way for the Green and White with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Vince Maglinao tallied ten markers along with ten excellent digs to help the Green Spikers advance to the Finals.

Meanwhile for the Blue and White, veteran Ken Batas pitched in nine points as no Blue Eagle scored in double digits.

Carrying over their momentum from their previous encounter, the Taft-based squad got off to a quick start in the opening canto, with a spirited 9-3 run to propel their side to a 25-17 set victory.

Rookie Arvin Garcia put up a valiant effort throughout the set for Ateneo sans Jian Salarzon. However, the error-plagued Blue Eagles struggled to keep up with Kampton and Ronquillo’s quick attacks and powerful kills as the Green Spikers claimed the first set with ease.

As the second frame commenced, La Salle retained their composure while finding holes in Ateneo’s floor defense. Eric Layug served as the catalyst for DLSU’s continued dominance as the Green Spiker notched back-to-back points to close out the set, 25-15.

Despite a mid-set push in the third frame by Ken Batas, the Blue Eagles were unable to regain the momentum as DLSU took advantage of late-game errors to secure the victory and advance to the Finals, 25-19.

The Blue Eagles will look to end their preseason on a high note as they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the third-place match on Wednesday, September 27, at 10:00 AM in the same venue.

Box Scores:

Ateneo (0): Batas – 9, Pacinio – 6, Gopio – 5, Sendon – 5, Garcia – 4

DLSU (3): Ronquillo – 16, Kampton – 13,  Maglinao – 10, Layug – 9, Del Pilar – 7, Encarnacion – 1

Set Scores:  
Ateneo-DLSU: 17-25, 15-25, 19-25