For the past three seasons, the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team (AMVT) has missed securing a spot at the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Volleyball Tournament, consistently winding up at the fifth seat. To highlight what has since changed in the team, this season preview will evaluate the Blue Eagles’ performance, composition, and their expectations going into Season 88.

STEELY DETERMINATION is what has kept the AMVT a competitive force in the volleyball league, driven to claim their rightful place in the UAAP finals. With a full tank for imminent redemption, the Blue Eagles return with a feisty appetite for takeover.

In Season 87, the Blue and White wrapped up their campaign in fifth place with a 7-7 win-loss record, falling short of Final Four contention. Nevertheless, the Loyola  Heights-based team only grew stronger and wiser after participating in preseason tournaments, taking sufficient time to regroup and form tighter bonds.

With a more solidified roster composed of both graduating seniors and emerging talents, the Blue and White are on deck and prepared to brave their incoming UAAP stint towards a greater ascent.

Juvenile wings

David: Despite the forthcoming final dance for many of the squad’s key spikers, the future remains bright for the Blue and White. The young guns have learned valuable takeaways from their seasoned seniors, fully equipped to deliver when it matters most. Blue Eagles ready for takeoff include outside hitter Miguel Yu and opposite spiker Karly Reyes, both ready to guide the lineup’s super rookie Paolo Medino.

In AMVT’s successful mission to upset reigning champions National University (NU) Bulldogs in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Yu led the charge with 11 points and five excellent receptions. As a star in the making, this consistent first ball reception will allow him to launch textbook attacks.

With the need to improve the Blue Eagles’ shaky reception and digging departments, the demand for hitters who can adjust to imperfect sets becomes even more crucial during out-of-system plays. The adaptability to any situation on the court is exactly what these rising talents can deliver.

Ramping up Ateneo’s offense, Medino will be marking his debut in the collegiate division after bagging the Best Outside Spiker award in the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Tournament. The former Thomasian previously averaged 13.5 points per match, alongside a 38.07% attacking efficiency rate which drove the Gold and Black to its second title in the juniors’ division. This proves that he will be a force from the wings to be reckoned with, who can bring the Vince Mangulabnan-led unit closer to the coveted UAAP title.

The Katipunan-based team is no stranger to dominance. In their derby against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons last season, Reyes delivered a breakout performance against their Katipunan rivals, making his presence known not only on the offense, but also from the service line aces.

Backing up the steady scoring of seniors Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio, the AMVT’s young core is charged to showcase sharp attacks from both wings of the court. Their role, however, goes beyond generating points. Victory hinges on integrating balance, minimizing unforced blunders, and staying composed in extended rallies—an endeavor that begins with these youngsters. With big shoes to fill in, Ateneo continues to elevate with grit and unrelenting hunger for a ticket to the finals round.

Strength at the net

Carmela: It is undeniable that the AMVT harbors an offensive power plant. With Season 87 Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Spiker Kennedy Batas, Best Opposite Spiker Amil Pacinio, and Team Captain Jian Salarzon in the lineup, explosive conversions helped the team advance their standings. Looking back, however, defense has been proven to be just as crucial in order to stay in the game—and the Blue and White rally knows it.

During their preseason tournament, the Katipunan-based squad benefitted from their net defense. In their first 2025 V-League win against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, Pacinio stepped up in both attacking and manning the wall with 14 attacks and five blocks. Meanwhile, Salarzon was key to their win against the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers as the Atenean pitched in four blocks alongside 18 attacks.

The Blue and White’s performance proves that Ateneo’s seasoned attackers are putting in the attacking work while also acknowledging the need for a fortified wall. Fortunately, Loyola’s middle blockers have been showcasing their eagerness and efficiency to keep the Blue Eagles afloat. 

Whether it is to cut the lead or widen the gap, the defense line tirelessly seals the net, denying the hitting attempts of their opposition. In their V-League performance, veteran Brian Castro stood tall as a commanding wall, alongside emerging sophomore Rodge Alejos and Karl Corrigedor. This monstrous defense will allow shifts in momentum, especially with Katipunan Tower Aimar Okeke, who notably held Ateneo’s momentum in Season 86, returning to the flock. 

Given that the UAAP Men’s Volleyball roster features attack-heavy squads, the AMVT must keep an eagle eye and prepare for loaded spikes and feisty combination plays from their competitors.

As the AMVT continues to elevate their play by being all-around players and possessing effective court vision, their lingering chase for the top seat only gets more combative. The Blue Eagles are now positioned for continued ascent as they return in the collegiate tournament. With only more to offer, the UAAP Season 88 Ateneo roster is going all out, not letting anybody else rule their floor.

Back row maestro

Jules: The only way to achieve victory in volleyball is to accumulate 25 points for three sets. Points are primarily scored through attacks and denials at the net by the AMVT’s wingers and middle blockers, but what makes these points possible are the defensive players stationed in the backrow.

Playing his last season in the UAAP, libero Lance De Castro remains committed to the Blue and White flock in hopes of finally entering his first semifinal matchup. The AMVT has shown flashes of brilliance in their preseason stints against the likes of five-time defending UAAP champions NU Bulldogs and Season 87 silver medalists Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Settling in fifth place for three consecutive seasons, De Castro’s one last dance must exemplify mental fortitude amid formidable opponents.

As the Blue Eagles’ back row maestro, the Atenean has never fallen short of exhibiting excellent floor defense. Constantly leading the digging and receiving departments among all liberos, De Castro has proven the stability he offers for the AMVT, coupled with keen senses on ball placement and service patterns. The veteran even shows a fervent desire to keep the ball alive, as seen in their Season 87 come-from-behind victory against the University of the East Red Warriors.

However, De Castro does not man the back court alone. Alongside him are the AMVT wingers who also contribute to the positive reception and iron-clad floor defense of the flock. Salarzon and Batas take on the technical services of the opposition, while Pacinio and setter Enzo Gutierrez absorb heavy attacks through successful digs. In addition, co-maestro Leinuel Crisostomo also grounds the team with much-needed agility, portraying high-caliber efficiency in place of De Castro.

Since Season 85, the AMVT has experienced every triumph and heartbreak, yet remains to live through, feel, and overcome each trial and tribulation. With their core players remaining intact but now in their season finale, there is no better time than Season 88 to dedicate this to the graduating seniors—a picture-perfect conclusion to what the Blue Eagles have been chasing since Season 79: a UAAP gold.

Upcoming games:

Sunday, February 15, at 9:00 AM, vs. Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

Sunday, February 22, at 9:00 AM, vs. UP Fighting Maroons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

Wednesday, February 25, at 9:00 AM, vs. University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum