After narrowly missing the Final Four in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s Volleyball Tournament (MVT), the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team (AMVT) returns bolder and better. This weekly series will analyze the state of the Blue Eagles as they strive for a deeper run this time around.
WITH THE UAAP Season 86 now at its midway point, the AMVT stands at a 3-3 win-loss record, sharing a three-way tie for fourth with their last two opponents. The Blue Eagles triumphed over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in a hard-fought five-set showdown last March 9, only to suffer a straight-sets defeat to the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons last March 13. Before these two games, Ateneo conceded their match against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers in five sets last March 2.
1. Playing cat and mouse in the final set
Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team
Caitlin: In their first encounter of Season 86, heated foes Ateneo and La Salle battled it out in a classic five-set face-off. With both teams boasting their top-notch athleticism to settle the game one set apiece, DLSU claimed the crucial third set for the upper hand, and the Blue Eagles’ mental and physical endurance pulled through to bring the game to a fifth set. However, it was during the deciding frame where the squad’s lacking net defense and composure manifested itself to result in a tough loss.
The rivals fought for court momentum to begin the final set, crucial in a frame where only fifteen points are needed to determine the game’s winner. An observable pattern in volleyball is that whichever team establishes that momentum first in set five will ultimately win the contest—which DLSU setter Eco Adajar made sure of last March 2.
Adajar paved the way for La Salle’s commanding four-point lead midway through the concluding set, after DLSU made calculated in-game decisions that Ateneo needed to adjust to. The rookie setter impressively spotted the Blue Eagles’ Achilles’ heel—the area where setter Jan Mangulabnan borders the block. He then constantly fed open hitters Vince Maglinao and Noel Kampton for easy off-the-block points against Ateneo’s vulnerable wall, simultaneously setting up middle blockers for quick kills to destabilize the Katipunan defense even further.
Statistics revealed that DLSU tallied almost twice as many blocks with 16 denials compared to Ateneo’s 7. As such, the Boys in Blue will have to address their shaky net defense to be able to counter and limit their opponents’ offensive tactics.
On top of that, Ateneo’s lack of composure on the transition proved costly as DLSU took advantage of such lapses by responding with better offense. Playmaker Mangulabnan was eager to counterattack with open hitter Aimar Okeke as his weapon, but Ateneo’s plays became predictable and ineffective due to Okeke’s attack errors after DLSU easily established a wall over him. The Green Spikers earned three crucial kill blocks against Ateneo attackers in the last set, stifling the Katipunan-based units’ chances for retaliation.
Ateneo will need to find ways to remain cool and collected to sustain their attacking variety, preventing themselves from falling prey to more last-minute cat-and-mouse chase scenarios.
2. Bringing out the big guns
Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team
Carmela: From the get-go, Blue Eagles middle blocker Jettlee Gopio and outside hitter Amil Pacinio displayed their talents, being two of the team’s reliable scorers. Gopio is known for his forcible quick attacks and overpowering blocks, putting on a staggering performance during the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. During Ateneo’s bouts against the Philippine Army Troopers and D’Navigators Iloilo, Gopio exerted dominance, converting 14 and 12 points in the respective games. Meanwhile, AMVT Team Captain Pacino is a formidable threat with his unpredictable attacks and skillful net defense. With a left-handed edge, Pacinio led the Ateneo hitters with unexpected attacks during their off-season match against the San Beda University Red Lions in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, recording 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, along with 14 receptions and 6 excellent digs.
Despite exemplary performances in their preseason tournaments, Pacinio and Gopio find themselves receiving limited playing time in the first round of Season 86. The pair were only utilized and added into the starting lineup during the Blue Eagles’ five-set thriller versus UST last March 9. Pacinio and Gopio became Ateneo’s game-changers during the second canto, with Pacinio demonstrating offensive prowess through a down-the-line attack to continue his momentous run, leaving flaming blocks to steer his squad to a 5-0 edge. While Pacinio marked his presence, Gopio also left a lasting impression with sharp slide attacks that extended the set in Ateneo’s favor.
Not letting go of their energy, Pacinio and Gopio continued to call the shots for the Blue Eagles’ side. Pacinio showed off his brilliant net and floor coverage that consistently kept the ball alive for Ateneo. On the other hand, Gopio became a prominent figure that gave the Blue and White momentum with back-to-back slide attacks during the fifth set. Gopio’s set-equalizing kills ignited the Blue Eagles which allowed them to escape the tightrope match. After piloting the squad, player of the game Gopio mustered up 17 conversions on 14 attacks and three blocks, while Pacinio also pitched in 17 points for the Blue Eagles.
Pacinio and Gopio’s outings against the Growling Tigers are testaments to their influence on the Blue and White rally. The duo proved themselves to be dependable attackers, alongside reliable offensive frontmen Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon, as they contributed double-digit conversions apiece through sophisticated attack variation and net coverage. After solidifying their chemistry during preseason tournaments, Pacinio and Gopio will undoubtedly demonstrate synergy and cohesion with the rest of the Blue Eagles once further implemented into the rotation.
Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team
Rav: Building up to the Battle of the Birds, the Blue Eagles were riding a wave of momentum after an electrifying five-set victory over the historically dominant UST Golden Spikers. It appeared as though the narrative had shifted, with the Blue Eagles now considered as definite contenders. However, Ateneo’s euphoria came to an immediate halt with a deflating three-set loss to Adamson.
The defeat felt like a blow from the Volleyball gods, striking Ateneo at their highest point in the season thus far. As the fragments of reality began to piece back together, one question remained—what could the Blue Eagles have done better?
A big proponent of the Blue and White’s loss came down to the numerous overshoots scattered throughout the match. One instance was when Salarzon missed his serve during a critical juncture in the second set, marking the eighth service error by the Blue Eagles at that point in the contest. Another example occurred in the final moments of the game when Mangulabnan spiked the ball too far on the second touch, giving match point to the Soaring Falcons. Both incidents exemplified Ateneo’s struggles, which extended beyond these unforced errors.
Aside from the overshoots, the Blue Eagles were often read by the Soaring Falcons’ defense. Ateneo’s predictable habit of passing to their wings telegraphed their plays for the convenience of Adamson. In the final set, the Blue Eagles leaned too much on their left crosses, allowing Adamson to repeatedly deny their attacks, eventually ending with a block. These mistakes were characterized by risky and impatient play from Ateneo, and they ultimately paid the price for it with a 0-3 match loss.
Come Sunday, the Blue Eagles will face the number one-seeded Far Eastern University Tamaraws, spearheaded by Martin Bugaoan and Dryx Saavedra. To secure an upset, Ateneo must address the shortcomings present in their previous match. The Katipunan-based squad must vary their attack patterns, stay calm, and avoid complacency in preparation for their bout. Said adjustments could propel the Blue Eagles back into contention for the second round, a feat that would excite many fans.
Upcoming games:
Sunday, March 17, 10:00 AM, vs. Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Current Standings:
- FEU Tamaraws (5-1)
- DLSU Green Spikers (5-1)
- NU Bulldogs (5-1)
- UST Golden Spikers (3-3)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (3-3)
- Ateneo Blue Eagles (3-3)
- UE Red Warriors (0-6)
- UP Fighting Maroons (0-6)
