CONTINUING THEIR Spikers’ Turf stint, the Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles submitted to the National University (NU) – Sta. Elena Nationals in straight sets, 20-25, 23-25, 23-25, earlier today at the Paco Arena in the City of Manila.
Despite a valiant match against the Dante Alinsunurin-led NU Nationals, this loss puts the Blue Eagles at a 1-1 standing in Pool A in the preliminary round of the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
Leading the Blue and White, Veteran Kennedy Batas had 14 points on 10 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Following suit was Foreign-Student Athlete Aimar Okeke, who churned out 12 points on 10 attacks, a block and an ace. Okeke also produced seven excellent receptions, while libero Lance De Castro collected 12 excellent digs.
The match commenced with the Sampaloc-based squad showcasing their offensive power to force a faulty start from the Blue Eagles, snatching the first technical with a six-point cushion, 8-2. Continuing to pile up the pressure, the NU Nationals leaned on wingers Jade Disquitado and Michaelo Buddin’s cross court kills to sustain their lead, 14-11.
Despite facing an early deficit, the Katipunan-based team slowly caught up with Okeke leading the attack, 17-19. However, the Katipunan-based team still lacked the defense to solve the opponents’ off-the-block points, ultimately dropping the opening set, 20-25.
Looking to bounce back in the second canto, the Blue Eagles picked up the pace as Batas continued to convert on the right wing to build a five-point cushion, 13-8. With the NU defense rattled, Ateneo enjoyed a five-point bump as Batas and Jett Gopio did the damage in the middle, 18-13. Nevertheless, NU honed in on Ateneo’s defense with strategic ball placements to minimize the lead, as Obed Mukaba read Ateneo’s attacks with a block to deadlock, 22-all. Following Mukaba’s heroics was an ace and an Atenean error which saw NU at match point, 24-22. With Ateneo on the ropes, Buddin finished off the set, 25-23, by going through the Blue Eagle blockade.
Attempting to sweep the Blue Eagles, NU bursted out into another six-point advantage from attack errors and block outs due to Disquitado’s powerful serves to grab the initial technical timeout, 8-2. At the midpoint of the canto, the Blue Eagles balanced out the scores, courtesy of Okeke and Batas banking markers from the left and right wing, 14-14. Both teams faced a deadlock at 20-all, until Okeke was denied at the net twice while Buddin converted on a cross court kill. Ultimately, the Nationals sealed the sweep against the Blue Eagles, 25-23.
In attempts to bounce back from a tough defeat, the Blue Eagles are set to clash with the Philippine Army Troopers on Sunday, November 12, at 3:00 PM in the same venue.
Box scores:
Ateneo (0): Kennedy Batas – 14, Aimar Okeke – 12, Cyrus De Guzman – 4, Jett Gopio – 3, Jeric Sendon – 3, Enzo Gutierrez – 2
NU Nationals (3): Leo Aringo – 17, Michaelo Buddin – 16, Jade Disquitado – 9, Rwenzmel Taguibolos – 6, Obed Mukaba – 4, Leo Ordiales – 2
Set Scores:
Ateneo-NU: 20-25, 23-25, 23-25
Current Standings (Pool A)
- NU Nationals (2-0)
- D’ Navigators Iloilo (1-1)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (1-1)
- Perpetual-Kinto Altas (1-1)
- Philippine Army Troopers (1-1)
- Don Pacundo—DLSU D Patriots (0-2)
