As the second elimination round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Volleyball Tournament resumes, these midseason takeaways will assess the Ateneo Men’s Volleyball Team’s (AMVT) performance in their previous bouts.
THE END of the road is getting more apparent. The AMVT has managed to climb to the fourth rank of the men’s collegiate league, yet stands in a fragile position. Eager to secure a spot in the finals, the Blue Eagles strive to move with caution as they go along the season.
Despite this pursuit, the Blue and White struggled to establish momentum in their match against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws. The four-set bout saw Ateneo falling prey to FEU’s offensive mastery, urging the Blue Eagles to up their game.
Similarly, the AMVT endured their fourth loss in their game against the National University (NU) Bulldogs. After going head-to-head with the two league front-runners, the squad was compelled to rethink their strategies to stay in contention.
Following this, Ateneo successfully ended their losing slump after a dominant straight-set victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors. Through this win, the team ended their first round on a good note.
Forging ahead, the Blue and White will need to put up a stronger presence for a place in the Final Four. Using their learnings, the AMVT must stick to their goal and maximize their abilities.
Frontcourt fluctuations
Photo by Cj Ochoa
Caleb: Seven games into the season, it is undeniable that Ateneo boasts one of the most talented and well-balanced offenses in the league. With Jian Salarzon, Aimar Okeke, and Amil Pacinio ranking among the top 15 scorers, the Blue Eagles have proven they possess the necessary firepower to go toe-to-toe against any team in the UAAP.
Spearheaded by the trio’s wing brilliance, the AMVT’s frontcourt depth has translated to notable victories. In their wins against the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University (DLSU), and UE, Salarzon, Okeke, and Pacinio alternated as Ateneo’s leading scorers, highlighting the squad’s varied points of attack. The most impressive of these balanced performances came against the Fighting Maroons, where the triad combined for 43 points, powering the Blue Eagles to a decisive four-set victory.
However, the same well-balanced offense has also been the Blue and White’s Achilles’ heel when matched up against the league juggernauts. In their losses to NU, FEU, and the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Ateneo struggled to close out sets as the usual scoring options were neutralized when defenses collapsed on them. With no clear offensive leader, the Blue Eagles faltered under pressure—underscoring one of the biggest issues facing Ateneo’s offense midway through the season: the absence of a closer.
Throughout the league, top teams rely on elite attackers to seize control and deliver points in the clutch. While the Blue Eagles’ wing trio have showcased their ability to offensively erupt at any time, their performances have fluctuated throughout the first round—leaving the squad without a steady go-to option in crucial moments. By contrast, perennial contenders such as NU and UST have repeatedly leaned on the likes of Leo Ordiales and Josh Ybañez to take over for their squads down the wire, which raises the question: Who does Ateneo exactly have when the game is on the line?
Much of Ateneo’s offensive gap can be attributed to the limited production of Season 87 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kennedy Batas. Still recovering from a nagging injury, the outside hitter has embraced a more reserved role early in the season—forcing others to step up in lieu of his minimal showing. However, once Batas fully heals, his attacking acumen might just be what the Blue Eagles need to close out games. With an MVP season under his belt, Batas has proven in the past that he can carry the offensive load and power his teammates in high-pressure situations.
Heading into the second cycle of preliminaries, it is clear that the Blue Eagles have the pieces to compete with the top contenders, yet their ceiling remains capped by offensive struggles come crunch time. With a new set of games underway, the Katipunan-based squad’s biggest challenge no longer lies in proving they can keep up with the league’s elite, but in showing they have what it takes to finish strong and close out games in their favor.
Next in line
Photo by Cj Ochoa
Carmela: For the AMVT, Season 88 is not just another campaign—it’s a time for transition. This year’s lineup comprises a significant number of graduating seniors leaving the nest, including Lance De Castro, Brian Castro, Pacinio, and Batas. With this, one will inevitably question the new generation of Blue Eagles poised to step up. Fortunately, for the defensive department, there is one up for the challenge.
As of writing, middle blocker Rodge Alejos remains the third-best blocker of the tournament with an average of 0.79 per set. This is attributed to his stable performance throughout the first elimination round matches.
In one of the Ateneo’s interviews after their game against DLSU, Alejos was commended for his persistence in contributing to the team’s defense. When asked about this drive, the rookie stated that an athlete’s determination shines in crucial moments, such as their five-set match. True enough, this all-or-nothing mindset was maintained throughout the rest of the games.
Despite the loss against the FEU Tamaraws, the Katipunan-based squad’s middle-centered plays caught the attention of the audience. Similarly, their bout against the NU Bulldogs demonstrated Ateneo’s efficiency in converting points from the center. Giving credit where it’s due, exemplars Castro and Salarzon served as influential figures in establishing the Blue and White defense at the net. These veterans have set the standard for stepping up when the team is at a crossroads. With Team Captain Salarzon being an all-around converter and Castro serving as a fortified tower, Ateneo was able to stand alongside the league’s hotshots.
If this competence is sustained by the Blue Eagles throughout the season, then middles might just be their asset towards further ascent in the standings. Activating the defensive line can counter top seeds NU and FEU’s offensive prowess. With the Blue Eagles currently seated at fourth, they must capitalize on the strengths they possess to remain in contention.
In this time of transition, a Final Four comeback can be the hard-earned send-off the AMVT seniors deserve, just as it can also signify the start of something new. As the Blue Eagles return to the floor for the second round, may they hold the same amount of dedication they have carried until the end of the line.
Sustaining the flock
Photo by CJ Ochoa
Jules: When it comes to assessing the AMVT’s performance, consistency is always critiqued to be their greatest point of improvement. The Blue and White starters have remained constant since Season 85, with minimal changes over the years. The likes of Salarzon, Pacinio, Batas, and De Castro are Blue Eagle mainstays who have garnered at least one award in indoor or beach volleyball. Yet, they are also either in their last UAAP playing year or about to accomplish their degrees. With this, how can the AMVT transition from a veteran-reliant unit to a rookie-led team?
In spite of their spiking excellence, the Blue Eagles are statistically seventh overall with a 36.51% success rate. The AMVT’s starting wingers are primarily seniors, leading to limited minutes for the youngbloods in the court. Sophomore Miguel Yu has contributed significantly to the Blue and White in preseason tournaments, but has yet to become a starter. The same argument stands for opposite hitter Karly Reyes and rookies Preece Atendido and Pao Medino. Should they want to avoid a total rebuilding, the Ateneo coaching staff must allow their younger players to play in the UAAP court.
Moreover, the Loyola Heights-based unit relies on graduate student Castro and sophomore Alejos to guard their net defense. This has resulted in the AMVT being the fourth best blocking team with a 2.41 average per set. However, Castro is in his last year of UAAP eligibility, while substitute Jeric Sendon may choose to forgo his remaining playing year. With only Alejos potentially remaining after this season, he must lead the next set of middle blockers to maintain their position as a dominant blocking unit.
In the setting department, Ateneo is currently ranked seventh, averaging 4.52 excellent sets per frame. Although Playmaker Enzo Gutierrez is the fifth-leading setter in the league, second-year Eijra Taluban must learn to spearhead the Blue Eagles should he want to excel as a court maestro. Fortunately for Loyola Heights, Taluban has been in-court for double substitutions, immediately converting points in their favor.
Finally, liberos De Castro and Lei Crisostomo have brought Ateneo to place fifth in digging with an average 5.97 digs per set and rank third in reception with a 43.63% efficiency. However, the AMVT’s massive challenge moving forward is their floor defense, as De Castro is in his last playing year and Crisostomo may not use his remaining year of eligibility. The stakes are high for the Blue Eagles, as these implications will leave consequences for the team both at present and in the future.
Consistency may be what the AMVT should focus on, but sustainability is also key in ensuring that the Blue Eagles’ future only moves forward and skyward. The succeeding season is just as important as the current UAAP tournament, hence the necessity to open avenues for the rookies to play on the grandest stage of their collegiate careers. Success then is not reliant on their usual starters, but a collective effort from all members of the Blue and White to eventually attain a coveted postseason berth.
Upcoming games:
Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 AM, vs. UST Golden Spikers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Wednesday, March 25, at 11:00 AM, vs. Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Current Standings (W-L):
- FEU Tamaraws (8-0)
- NU Bulldogs (6-2)
- UST Golden Spikers (5-2)
- ATENEO Blue Eagles (3-4)
- DLSU Green Spikers (3-4)
- UP Fighting Maroons (2-6)
- AdU Soaring Falcons (2-5)
- UE Red Warriors (1-7)
