THE ATENEO Men’s Beach Volleyball Team capped off their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Beach Volleyball Tournament stint with back-to-back defeats against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Sands and the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Spikers. Both matches were held earlier today at the Sands SM by the Bay in the City of Pasay.

Semifinal match vs. UST

In a similar fashion to their elimination round encounter, the Tiger Sands showcased their championship experience against the hapless Blue Eagles with nearly-identical results. Up against the Season 85 champions, stalwarts Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio tested their mettle against UST’s Rancel Varga and Alchie Gupiteo.

Despite coming off an incredible elimination round finish with four-straight wins, the Tiger Sands proved to be too overwhelming for the formidable Atenean duo, as the Blue and White faltered in straight sets, 12-21, 17-21.

Third-place match vs. FEU

Looking to still secure a spot in the podium, the Blue Eagles faced FEU in the battle-for-third match. 

Undeterred after dropping a tightly-contested first set to the Tamaraw Spiker-pair of JJ Javelona and Vince Nadera, 18-21, the Blue Eagles were steadfast in their goal for a strong finish. In an extended second frame, with one point away from forcing a deciding set, Salarzon and Pacinio managed to come up with a timely block to keep their bronze medal hopes alive, 22-20.

However, in the deciding set, the Morayta-based spikers proved their worth with their defensive gambits and well-executed offensive plays. FEU’s Javelona did much of the heavy lifting at the onset of the final canto as the seasoned veteran handed the Tamaraw Spikers a four-point cushion, forcing Ateneo to call for time, 11-7.

To cap off their stellar third set, Nadera played a significant role in targeting Salarzon and meeting the Blue Eagles at the net for quick points off the block. Although the Blue and White attempted to recover with a last-ditch effort to score consecutive points, Nadera shut the door and sealed the bronze for FEU with a powerful down-the-line attack, 15-9.

Set Scores:

Ateneo-UST: 12-21, 17-21 

Ateneo-FEU (Battle for third): 18-21, 22-20, 9-15