As the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Men’s Volleyball tournament has commenced, this weekly series will assess the current state of the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team (AMVT) as they aim to uphold Final Four hopes in contention.
FOLLOWING THREE matches in the UAAP Season 87 Volleyball tournament, the Ateneo Blue Eagles currently sit at fourth place with a 2-1 win-loss record. With the sole undertaking of standing atop the Season 87 summit, the Loyola Heights-based squad is resolute in maintaining their top four stature until the end of the elimination round.
The Blue Eagles opened the tournament with a four-set victory against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on February 16. Then, the Blue and White succumbed to the National University (NU) Bulldogs in four tightly-contested sets on February 19, but bounced back with a statement win over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons after another four-set conquest on February 23.
As the AMVT seeks to declare its position as apex predators of the UAAP, The GUIDON Sports analyzes the Blue Eagles’ bid to further cement their standing among the best four squads on the taraflex.
The Great Wall of Loyola
Jules: The AMVT has always prided itself in formidable defense, with Team Captain Lance De Castro at the helm of floor coverage as the squad’s perennial libero. In fact, the skipper has averaged 2.42 digs per set with an efficiency rate of 53.62% on reception. As of writing, De Castro is the overall second best digger and receiver, proving his top-notch skills as the Blue and White’s main anchor of floor defense.
On the other hand, one might think that Ateneo’s net defense has become unstable following the departure of Season 86 starting middle blockers Cyrus De Guzman and Ryan Daculan. Ever since Season 85, the AMVT’s pair of middle hitters has changed, with Chad Absin having taken his talents to Far Eastern University (FEU). Nonetheless, one commonality persists throughout the past seasons: Jettlee Gopio.
Mainstay Gopio has matured into his role as a net defender and middle attacker. From being sidelined due to injury to once again starting for the Blue and White, the veteran has embraced his experience to become an aggressive threat at the front end of the court. Having attained ten blocks over three matches, the third best blocker in the league has also contributed 13 attacks and five aces. This indicates his resolve: making Ateneo’s fortress a no-fly zone and surprising the opposition when unexpected.
Once the AMVT’s rotation places Gopio at the service line, masteral rookie Brian Castro takes his turn at spearheading the Blue Eagles’ block formation and administering quick plays. The middle blocker has formed excellent chemistry with playmaker Enzo Gutierrez, as Castro has already tallied up 23 kills alongside six denials and two unanswered services. The overall 13th best scorer, despite being in his maiden season, continues to stun his opponents as a towering presence at the net, striking great balance between offense and defense.
I am confident that the Blue Eagles are fully capable of securing a spot in the Final Four. After placing fifth in the past two seasons, I know that the past has fueled the AMVT’s desire to rewrite its story into a fabled legacy of hope, grit, and camaraderie. Thus, the Blue and White must maintain their evolving form with 11 games left to conquer in their quest to become champions once again.
Super spikers
Gab: While the defensive end of the floor has been a core part of the Blue Eagles’ winning formula, another admirable aspect of their recent performance has been their efficient offense.
With 162 total spikes and a 38.30% spiking success rate—good for first and fourth in the UAAP, respectively—the Katipunan-based unit has proven that they belong in the upper echelon of the tournament. But how has Ateneo maintained such a high-octane offensive style? They have done it by committee.
Amil Pacinio, Jian Salarzon, and Castro, have proven to be a three-headed monster on the offensive end, with each of them being within the top 15 of scorers in the entire league. This has paid heavy dividends in Ateneo’s victories against Adamson and UP, as the trio overwhelmed their opponents’ with sheer power and volleyball IQ.
Ateneo’s piercing spike attacks have been proven most deadly in their bout against the Fighting Maroons. Five Blue Eagles ended the contest with double-digit markers, spotlighting the heavy artillery that Head Coach Vince Mangulabnan has at his disposal. These recent showcases of a balanced offensive energy could be a great sign of what is to come, especially as the season rolls on and the team has more time to tailor its gameplan.
Despite the majority positive showings, the Blue Eagles do have things to work on if they want to cement themselves atop the UAAP’s hierarchy. A main talking point of Ateneo fans after their contest against UP was the absurd amount of errors this unit commits. With a staggering 37 errors against UP and a whopping 44 against NU, Ateneo must work on maintaining their composure in these situations if they want to take down juggernauts like FEU.
When it comes to the matter of this team being able to keep their momentum alive in future games, I do feel fairly confident that this team will be able to both continue their recent success and correct their shortcomings. This iteration of the AMVT has been through some tough battles together. All that is left for them to do is to channel their experience and build on the winning culture they are establishing.
Even with all this in mind, there is still one more reason why Ateneo fans can be confident in this team, one more standout Blue Eagle that has yet to be mentioned. This player has headlined Ateneo’s impressive stretch and has the potential to lead his squad to a coveted Final Four position: Kennedy Batas.
A whole new level
Caitlin: Batas has long been known for his powerful and merciless attacks on the right wing. With technical skill and confidence exuding in every point scored, he has been Ateneo’s go-to guy for frontline firepower over the past three years. For Season 87, a significant shift in the AMVT’s line-up involves the veteran’s transition from an opposite spiker to an open hitter.
As the top scorer for all three matches with 62 points in total, Batas has truly embraced the new role bestowed upon him by Head Coach Mangulabnan. Building on his exceptional Season 86 performance, the fourth-year student announced his return to the UAAP stage in his all-around showing against the Soaring Falcons.
In this match-up, the Blue Eagles tallied crucial points from broken plays due to newfound accessibility to Batas in the left wing. Despite these sequences having higher sets with a much slower tempo, Batas effortlessly timed his attacks to maintain elevation and power that outplayed San Marcelino’s blockers and floor defenders.
In his new position, Batas’ pipe attack has also been activated more often than seasons prior. His intimidating vertical leap, coupled with an admirable connection with setter Guttierez, significantly broadens the Ateneo’s offensive range. With ammunition coming from both the front and backline, Batas’ pipe will be useful as they go up against formidable blocking teams such as the FEU Tamaraws.
In the years that I have been covering the AMVT, I can agree with the Ateneo faithful that Batas is on a different level this season. Whether it be from the position change or just sheer confidence from years of experience, the veteran spiker is out for greatness.
Although it is definitely too early into the season to predict the AMVT’s fate, Batas’ recent performance delivers a clear message—the past seasons were merely a prelude to what he is truly capable of on the court.
Upcoming games
Sunday, March 2, at 11:00 AM, vs. FEU Tamaraws at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City
Sunday, March 9, at 11:00 AM, vs. University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City
