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.
MIDWAY INTO the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Volleyball tournament, the Ateneo Blue Eagles move down to fifth place on a 3-2 win-loss record. Despite tying with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, the Taft-based squad maintains the upper edge over the AMVT in terms of set and setpoint ratio.
With the tall task of going up against the league’s juggernauts, the Blue and White absorbed their second loss of the tournament after an extended four-set clash against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on March 2. In response to the drubbing, the AMVT then silenced the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers in a four-set shutdown on March 9.
With the imminent conclusion of the first elimination round, The GUIDON Sports examines the Blue Eagles’ past two matches as they continue their quest to reclaim their spot in the Final Four, despite the top-heavy nature of the league.
Calculated shifts and tricks
Jules: After two matches against the top two-seeded teams, the AMVT’s scoring and non-scoring statistics have significantly shifted, most especially in the blocking and digging departments. From initially being the third in blocking and overall best digging team among the eight, the Blue Eagles fell to fifth and fourth in these categories, respectively, based on the latest team statistics as of writing.
When pinned up against the Season 86 silver and bronze medalists, the Blue and White are subject to expend more fuel and exercise complex plays to rattle the opposition. However, the Blue Eagles risk committing errors and violations, as evidenced during their battle against the FEU Tamaraws.
The AMVT accumulated 33 errors in the contested affair, 11 of which came from their second-set loss. Despite attaining multiple set points throughout the deuce, mishaps plagued the Blue Eagles, such as Jian Salarzon’s service error and Kennedy Batas’ antenna violation and attack error, thus leading the Green and Gold to nab the set.
Adamant to address the errors, the Loyola Heights-based squad limited these mistakes to 24 faults in their duel against the UST Golden Spikers and ultimately clinched their third victory of the tournament. With nine blocks and 15 excellent digs towards the squad’s group performance, Ateneo remained composed to solve these setbacks immediately.
In terms of spiking, the AMVT stands at fourth place with a 38.96% spiking efficiency rate, courtesy of wingers Salarzon, Batas, and Amil Pacinio. With each hitter capable of amassing double-digit productions, the Blue Eagles rely on their offensive load and prowess to drive the flock forward and skyward.
On the side of reception, the Ateneans maintain the top spot with an efficiency rate of 44.88%, as the winger triumvirate—along with libero Lance De Castro—man the floor coverage. At 67 excellent receptions in only two games, the Blue and White prove their formidable floor defense and stability as a pivotal force in their skillset.
Moreover, the Blue Eagles are the best servers in the league, averaging 1.45 aces per set thanks to Jett Gopio’s hybrid technique and Batas’ topspin approach. Alongside Brian Castro’s float serve, the Blue and White has mastered its service style consistently, resulting in shaky and unanswered receptions on the side of its opponents.
Lastly, the AMVT currently sits at fourth in the setting category with an average of 4.80 sets per frame. Second best setter Enzo Gutierrez upholds his position with 4.65 excellent sets in each canto, backed up by Eijra Taluban who is prepared to step into the court should there be a need for a setter-hitter substitution.
In a battle of calculated shifts and tricks, the Blue Eagles’ unyielding consistency must strike a balance between offense and defense in their pursuit of victory. At the end of the first elimination round, I am certain that the Blue and White will pull through their remaining first round matches and further bolster their spot in the Final Four.
Unyielding consistency
Gabrielle: Despite the underwhelming outcome of the match against FEU, the AMVT has consistently shown promise through its resilience in critical frames of extended matches.
In an impressive display of determination against the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws, veterans Gopio, Batas, and Salarzon solidified the Katipunan-based unit’s aggressive attack front. Regardless of the loss, Batas’ piercing spike attacks garnered him an impressive 22-point tally by the end of the match.
In an effort to seize advantages from FEU, the veteran trio stunned the taraflex with a tug of dominance from the Tamaraws. Consequently, their improved reception snatched four match points from the Green and Gold–extending the set to 30-32.
Capitalizing on their commanding momentum, the Blue Eagles persisted to their first advantage in the match with Batas’ gallantry on the left wing of the court, even despite suffering a 1-3 loss.
With a similar show of mastery in the game against UST, the Blue Eagles ultimately produced a winning formula to prove decisive of their unwavering energy. Spearheaded by Amil Pacinio’s stellar showing in the statement victory, the Katipunan-based squad maintained a steady position in the fifth seed of the tournament.
As the Blue and White’s wingers and defensive units glaze from one game to another, with key players furnishing game-high performances, Ateneo is on the trajectory to peak midway through the season.
Smoothly sailing to the highly-contested fourth spot requires the Blue Eagles to capitalize on their dominant offense coupled with sharp ball distribution. With veterans bolstering the solid frontline, Ateneo should continue to take the upper hand.
Although the Blue Eagles have much to improve on to secure a semifinals seat, the unyielding consistency from these standout veterans fuel Ateneo’s steady pace towards the UAAP summit.
Upcoming games
Wednesday, March 12, at 11:00 AM, vs. De La Salle Green Spikers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City
Saturday, March 15, at 9:00 AM, vs. University of the East Red Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City
Current Standings (W-L):
- FEU Tamaraws (6-0)
- UST Golden Spikers (4-2)
- NU Bulldogs (4-1)
- DLSU Green Spikers (3-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-2)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (1-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons (1-5)
- UE Red Warriors (0-6)
