THE ATENEO Blue Eagles dominated over the National University Bulldogs in a spirited three-set sweep, 25-23, 26-24, 24-9, earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila. This victory puts the team at a 5-1 win-loss standing in the round-robin stage of the tournament.

It was a display of offensive prowess from both teams to start the first set, as setter James Licauco utilized his pin hitters to respond to NU’s consistent attacks, 13-13. The tiebreaker came in NU’s favor as the Blue Eagles collected third-touch errors, 16-13, and the Bulldogs maintained the advantage through spectacular floor defense. However, tides turned after the Katipunan-based squad had stifled NU’s hitters with reactive net defense, 23-22, and the winning momentum went to Ateneo after an emphatic kill block from Ken Batas, 25-23.

Standout sophomore Jian Salarzon shined in the second canto, keeping the Bulldogs at bay by challenging NU defenders with a variety of attacks, 12-10. However, Michaelo Buddin and Jade Disquitado responded accordingly with their own kills, en route to level the playing field, 24-22. Service specialist Lutrelle Taneo was fielded in and successfully destabilized the NU defense, allowing veteran spiker Amil Pacinio to claim another set for Ateneo, 26-24. 

Momentum remained in Katipunan as the Blue Eagles opened the last frame with a five-point lead, 6-1, courtesy of wing spikers Batas and Salarzon. Error-plagued NU struggled to find their footing, and Ateneo easily matched their kill attempts with impressive receives and digs. After a great showing of team chemistry and composure on the court, Batas went for the final down-the-line kill at 25-9. 

The Blue Eagles look to maintain their good form as they are set to face rivals, the De La Salle University Green Spikers on Sunday, September 17, at 4:00 PM in the same venue.

Set Scores:  
Ateneo-NU: 25-23, 26-24, 25-9