THE ATENEO Blue Eagles ran out of gas against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in a tough four-chapter clash, 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25. The matchup took place earlier today at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The result retains the Blue Eagles at fifth with a 6-6 win-loss record, with their Final Four odds starting to dim with two games left in the eliminations.
Amil Pacinio paced the Blue and White with 21 points off 18 attacks and three aces. Kennedy Batas and Jian Salarzon also provided solid support with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Amit Bituin led the charge for the Tamaraws with a team-high 17 points off 16 attacks and an ace. Lirick Mendoza likewise produced in the middle with 12 markers.
The Tamaraws opened the first set with quick offensive firepower, as early back-to-back kills from Doula Ndongala gave the Morayta-based squad a 2-0 headstart.
As both teams started trading rallies, Batas capitalized on a second-ball opportunity to unleash a sharp cross-court kill, 2-4. After a string of service errors from both sides, a well-timed Ateneo triple block followed by a Batas service ace leveled the score at 6-all.
FEU responded with relentless attacks, forcing the Katipunan unit to play from behind. Salarzon converted a smart off-the-block hit following a Tamaraw error to inch Ateneo closer, 9-10. Riding the momentum, Pacinio then hammered down a clean kill for another equalizer at 10-all.
Despite the Blue Eagles’ efforts, FEU surged ahead behind a string of momentum-shifting plays to go on a 5-0 run that left the Blue Eagles trailing once more, 12-16. Both teams then exchanged blows on the floor, with Pacinio stepping up once more with a kill to keep Ateneo within striking distance, 17-20. Despite a late 3-0 rally to stave off set point, the Blue Eagles were unable to hold off Mikko Espartero’s final blow that gave the first set to FEU, 21-25.
The second frame saw multiple service errors from the Tamaraws, allowing the Blue Eagles to keep in step despite struggling against FEU’s blocks. After multiple early-set deadlocks, Batas unleashed his power on deck, effectively breaking down the FEU floor defense with his powerful serves, 6-5. Salarzon maximized Ateneo’s growing momentum with a swipe and an off-the-block kill to elevate the Blue Eagles to a five-point lead, 10-5.
Midway through the set, both teams exchanged kills at the net, with Salarzon and Brian Castro hustling for kills to keep the Blue and White in the driver’’s seat, 14-9. The Blue Eagles continued to showcase their offensive prowess using a variety of attacks to challenge the FEU floor and net defense, 19-13, while Batas continued to deliver powerful serves, 21-14.
While the Morayta-based squad attempted to close the gap by anticipating Batas’ pipe attack, 16-21, FEU fell victim to self-inflicted errors—allowing a Pacinio kill and an Enzo Guttierez set-clinching ace, 25-19.
Coming off from a win in the second set, the Blue Eagles burst off the gates to start the third with well-executed offensruses on the taraflex, jumping to a 3-1 lead. Picking up steam early, Jet Gopio rolled one down the middle to stretch Ateneo’s l leado four, 6-2.
Although the Blue and White continued to deliver on the offensive end, the Tamaraws firmly responded with a sharp attack down the line by Dryx Saavedra that leveled the score at 10-all. Both teams went blow-for-blow in what became a tightly contested stretch, exchanging narrow leads and equalizers until Pacinio broke through with a cross-court kill, 19-18. Although FEU was quick to lock the scores once more, a timely tip from Castro reclaimed the lead, 20-19.
However, costly miscues from Ateneo gave FEU the window to regain control, 23-21. Refusing to waver, Pacinio came alive once more with a thunderous attack and a clutch service ace to level the set, 23-23.
Despite a gritty late-set stand, the Blue Eagles came up short as a service error from Pacinio and a crucial block point from Mendoza gave FEU the third frame, 23-25.
Playing with increased urgency, the Blue Eagles rallied for off-the-block hits and quick kills to open the fourth set, 5-6. Despite securing multiple deadlocks to keep in step with the Tamaraws, Ateneo was plagued with errors on the third touch, significantly preventing them from gaining a groove on offense, 9-13.
Continuing to control the set, FEU orchestrated a 10-1 run from speedy cross-court kills to put pressure on the Ateneo defense, 20-11. While the Tamaraws looked to finish the set and the match with a sizeable advantage, Blue Eagle attackers saw an opportunity to turn the set around after a missed reception from the FEU floor, 16-21. Taking advantage of the flawed FEU floor coverage, Pacinio and Salarzon remained composed at the wings to lock in kills, while Batas delivered an ace from the service line to bring the game to within two, 20-22.
Looking to intensify Ateneo’s comeback bid, Salarazon utilized the FEU wall, 21-23, while Pacinio followed suit with a clean cross despite the Tamaraws clinching match point, 22-24. While Castro secured a deafening kill block to keep the Blue Eagles alive, Bituin mercilessly extinguished Ateneo’s hopes of extending the game with an untouched cross-court kill, 25-23.
With their postseason hopes dwindling, the Blue Eagles will look to stage a rally against the National University Bulldogs on Sunday, April 13, at 9:00 AM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Box scores:
Ateneo (1): Pacinio – 21, Batas – 12, Salarzon – 10, Castro – 8, Gopio – 7, Gutierrez – 2
FEU (3): Bituin – 17, Mendoza – 12, Saavedra – 11, Espartero – 10, Ndongala – 8, Tandoc – 2
Set scores:
Ateneo-FEU: 21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25
Current Standings (W-L):
- FEU Tamaraws (11-1)
- NU Bulldogs (10-2)
- UST Golden Spikers (7-4)
- DLSU Green Spikers (7-4)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (6-6)
- UP Fighting Maroons (3-8)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2-9)
- UE Red Warriors (0-12)
